Mental Health Technician in Allied Therapy

Shodair Children's Hospital; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena, MT seeks compassionate Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) for the Allied Therapy team, focusing on therapeutic recreation for ages 3–18. You will support therapists, run activities, and help maintain a safe, engaging environment.

The role is physically active, involving movement and group activities; starting pay is $25/hr with benefits and training. Join a mission-driven team in a hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field; or four years of progressively responsible work experience.
• Experience working with children or in behavioral health/healthcare preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage patients aged 3–18 in therapeutic recreational activities.
• Assist in implementing care plans designed by licensed therapists.
• Monitor safety and behavior during activities.
• Lead group facilitation, emotional coaching, and de-escalation strategies.
• Serve as a positive role model and encourage healthy decision-making.

Skills

Compassionate

Energetic

Emotionally resilient

Safety-focused

Recreation-minded

Education

Bachelor's degree (psychology or related field)

Equivalent combination of education/experience

Job description

Mental Health Technician (MHT) in Allied Therapy

Shodair Children's Hospital is seeking compassionate and active Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) to join our Allied Therapy team, with a special focus on Recreational Therapy. This role goes beyond traditional care—it is about using play, outdoor adventure, group activities, and therapeutic recreation to support the emotional and behavioral growth of children and teens.

What You'll Do

• Support and engage patients (ages 3-18) in therapeutic recreational activities, ropes course challenges, and group games
• Help implement care plans designed by licensed therapists to build coping, communication, and social skills
• Monitor patient behavior and safety during activities and throughout the day
• Participate in group facilitation, emotional coaching, and de-escalation strategies
• Serve as a positive role model, encouraging healthy decision-making and peer interactions
• Assist in maintaining a structured, safe, and fun therapeutic environment - indoors and out
• Must be able to successfully perform physical holds, movements and carries.
• Blocking and redirecting patient movements against the patient's weight
• Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self-injurious behavior.
• Ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene in situations when protective holds and/or movements are deemed necessary.
• Physically able to perform, but not but not limited to: pivoting, knee squats, shuffling front and backwards, assisting with carrying a person, assisting a person to the floor, stabilizing people in standing, seated, prone and supine positions.

Ideal Characteristics

• Compassionate & Energetic – Loves working with youth and thrives in a physically active role
• Emotionally Resilient – Keeps calm under pressure and maintains boundaries
• Physically Capable – Can hike, play, lift, and keep up with busy kids
• Recreation-Minded – Comfortable leading games, creative activities, or outdoor adventures
• Safety-Focused – Maintains awareness and follows safety protocols

Why Join Shodair?

Working as an MHT in Allied Therapy is rewarding, active, and purpose-driven. You'll be part of a team that believes in healing through movement, connection, and play.

Shodair Offers

$25/hr starting pay

• Free medical and vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement & student loan assistance
• 6% employer-paid 403(b) retirement contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Ropes course & lifeguard training included!

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, special education, or a related field; or four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with children or in a behavioral health or healthcare setting is strongly preferred.

Certifications

• Must obtain and maintain CPR and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical Skills within two (2) months of hire.
• Additional certifications (e.g., ServSafe, Lifeguard, high ropes) may be required based on unit assignment.
• Certification in Behavioral Health is strongly preferred.

Salary Description

Starting at $25/hr after training