Mental Health Technician IV - Crisis (Extended Observation)

SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc.; Dothan (AL); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Full time

Job summary

SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc. is looking for dedicated individuals in Dothan, Alabama, to provide care in the Crisis Stabilization Unit. Key responsibilities include monitoring individuals' behaviors, facilitating educational support sessions, and maintaining safety measures.

This role requires an understanding of mental health, effective communication skills, and a commitment to patient care. The position offers a full-time schedule with a starting pay of $15.00/hr.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental illness and substance use.
• Ability to communicate effectively with mentally ill individuals.
• High School Diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and oversight in a Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Monitor individual behaviors and facilitate educational groups.
• Document groups per policies and applicable regulations.

Skills

Knowledge of mental illness

Crisis intervention techniques

Communication skills

Patience and emotional stability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Office machines

Job description

This position is located at our Crisis Center located in Dothan, Alabama.

Schedule

Week 1: Monday, Thursday, Friday (07:00 am‑07:30 pm); Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday (07:00 am‑07:30 pm).

Base Pay: $15.00/hr

Position Summary

Provide intermediate skilled direct care and oversight to individuals served in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and any associated units. Duties include monitoring individuals’ behaviors and interactions with others, activities of daily living, facilitating educational groups, teaching coping skills, encouraging adherence to treatment, observing safety, and performing other duties as assigned. This is an "awake" position; sleeping is not permitted while on duty.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities / Functions / Tasks

• Provide direct care and oversight to individuals served in the CSU and any associated units, including temporary observation and mobile crisis teams. This includes monitoring behaviors, interactions, activities of daily living, safety observations, preparing snacks and meals as required.
• Visually observe admitted individuals to ensure the safety of those served and other staff. May be required to perform 1:1 observation.
• Perform unit rounds, assessing safety of the unit and individuals in care.
• Note significant changes in behavior, watching for cues of increased anxiety or agitation, and report to the clinical team.
• Assist staff with actively disturbed or violent individuals and request backup personnel when needed.
• Assist in educating individuals about behavioral and emotional techniques and support.
• Prepare food and snacks for individuals, monitoring those who may need assistance with eating.
• Assist in transfer and discharge of individuals, helping with dressing, collecting belongings, and following discharge procedures.
• Use behavioral and crisis techniques to prevent injury, responding calmly to crisis situations to maintain safety.
• Serve as a positive role‑model by establishing therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• May facilitate educational groups and lead skill‑based sessions on social, coping, self‑esteem and relaxation skills.
• Document groups per SpectraCare Personnel Policies and Clinical Policy, and applicable regulations.
• Order, store, and maintain appropriate quantity of food for snacks; maintain pantry stock and discard expired items.
• Assist with unit cleanliness: change linens, keep treatment areas clean, maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards. Assist in maintaining records professionally, per SpectraCare policies and HIPAA, 42 CFR, and other laws.
• Ensure documentation is timely, accurate, and complete within standard time frames.
• Travel, operate system vehicles safely (including wheelchairs), and assist individuals during transport.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and perform vehicle maintenance as required by policy.
• Provide basic living skills support, hygiene assistance, and grooming education.
• Treat individuals with respect and courtesy at all times.
• Respond promptly and courteously to inquiries, meet with supervisors as scheduled, and participate in training and meetings.
• Adhere to dress code and professional boundaries; work cooperatively with staff and families.
• Demonstrate high ethics, manage stress, and ensure individual safety in stressful environments.
• Apply seclusion, protective holds, and restraints per SpectraCare policy, document incidents, and participate in shift reporting.
• Work full‑time with rotating assignments, including overtime, nights, and weekends as scheduled.
• Remain awake during scheduled working hours.
• Perform other duties deemed necessary by supervisor.

Non‑Essential Duties / Responsibilities / Functions / Tasks

• Attend all required job‑related/system training.
• Assist in other areas as needed.
• Assume other related duties as assigned.
• Conform to system policies and procedures.

Essential Qualifications / Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder.
• Knowledge and understanding of crisis intervention techniques.
• Patience and emotional stability.
• Professional response in crisis situations.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of job tasks.
• Business English knowledge, spelling, arithmetic.
• Office practices and procedures knowledge.
• Operate office machines (computer, fax, copier).
• Read instruction manuals printed in English; understand complex oral and written instructions.
• Follow instructions with minimal supervision.
• Adhere to SpectraCare policy, HIPAA, 42 CFR confidentiality laws.
• Adhere to health and safety standards.
• Remain awake during shift.
• Basic knowledge of individuals’ rights.
• Communicate effectively (written and oral) with mentally ill/substance‑using individuals.
• Adapt to varying conditions.
• Relay coping skills, positive attitudes, and self‑esteem to individuals.
• Facilitate educational groups.
• Perform well in stressful environments and manage related stress to ensure safety.
• Travel as necessary.
• Maintain professional boundaries in all interactions.
• Establish effective working relationships with staff and organizational leaders.
• Demonstrate initiative.

Training Requirements

• Complete initial new‑hire training.
• Complete required on‑the‑job training (OJT).
• Obtain certifications required for job duties.
• Complete annual training as required by state and federal regulations.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

Requires occasional back extension while on stomach, maintaining body weight on hips and legs; occasional weight on one knee and elbow on same side; kneeling and reaching down. Must hold doors and maintain contact during restraints. Must ambulate quickly when assisting with restraints. Must travel to facilities or outings with changing weather. Work is primarily temperature‑controlled with short desk periods. Must lift up to 50 lb infrequently, stand, walk, bend, twist, lunge, squat, reach often, and occasionally mop, sweep, or wash/dry clothes. May be exposed to odors, chemicals, latex, noise, unusual sights, bodily fluids, contagious diseases, or wet floors. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Qualifications / Education / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license and good MVR.
• Pass background check and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications / Education / Experience

• At least one year of clinical experience providing direct client care.
• At least one year of clinical experience in a mental health setting.