Mental Health Technician IV Crisis (Extended Observation)

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

Job summary

A leading mental health service provider is seeking a Mental Health Technician IV for the Crisis Stabilization Unit in Dothan, Alabama. The role involves providing direct care, observing client behaviors, and ensuring safety for individuals in crisis. Candidates should have a high school diploma, knowledge of mental health conditions, and effective communication skills. The position requires a valid driver's license and a background check. Scheduling includes weekend shifts and the necessity to remain awake during shifts.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental illness, substance use, and autism spectrum disorder.
• Ability to maintain safety during crises.
• Possess a valid driver's license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care in the Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Conduct unit rounds and document significant behaviors.
• Assist individuals with basic living skills and hygiene needs.

Skills

Knowledge of mental illness

Crisis intervention techniques

Effective communication

Patience and emotional stability

Ability to read in English

Adaptability to varying conditions

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Office machines (computer, fax, copier)

Job description

Mental Health Technician IV Crisis (Extended Observation)

Location: Dothan, Alabama

Base Pay: $15.00/hr

Schedule:
Week 1: Monday, Thursday, Friday (07:00 am – 07:30 pm)
Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday (07:00 am – 07:30 pm)

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 individual behaviors and interactions, daily living activities, facilitating educational groups, teaching coping skills, encouraging adherence to treatment, safety observations, and other assigned tasks. This is an “awake” position; no sleeping is permitted while on duty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and oversight to individuals in the CSU and associated units, temporary observation, and mobile crisis teams.
• Visually observe admitted individuals to ensure safety of those served and staff; perform 1:1 observation as required.
• Conduct unit rounds, assessing safety of the unit and individuals in care.
• Note significant behavior changes, verbalizations, and cues of anxiety or agitation; report to the clinical team.
• Assist staff with actively disturbed or violent individuals, requesting backup personnel when needed.
• Assist in education of individuals regarding behavioral/emotional techniques.
• Prepare food and snacks for individuals; monitor those who may need assistance with eating.
• Assist in transfer and discharge of individuals, helping with dressing, collecting personal possessions, and following established procedures.
• Utilize behavioral and crisis intervention techniques to prevent injury and ensure safety; respond calmly to crisis situations.
• Serve as a positive role model, establishing therapeutic relationships and appropriate boundaries with individuals and families.
• Provide educational group facilitation when appropriate; plan, organize, and lead skills‑based groups (social, coping, self‑esteem, relaxation, etc.).
• Document groups according to SpectraCare policies and relevant regulations.
• Order, store, and maintain food for snacks; remove expired food and maintain pantry stock.
• Assist with unit cleanliness, changing linens, and maintaining treatment area hygiene.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation; adhere to HIPAA and other confidentiality requirements.
• Operate system vehicles, including wheelchairs and shuttle buses; transport individuals safely.
• Assist individuals with basic living skills, hygiene needs, and basic training in self‑care.
• Perform other duties such as responding to inquiries, meeting with supervisors, and participating in training, workshops, and meetings.
• Adhere to the Dress Code and work cooperatively with staff, patients, and families.
• Apply protective holds, seclusions, and restraints per policy; document all incidents.
• Demonstrate willingness to work on any unit/program at SpectraCare based on facility needs.
• Perform duties with professionalism, ethics, and within professional boundaries.
• Maintain regular attendance, punctuality, and full‑time commitment with rotating assignments (including overtime, nights, weekends).
• Remain awake during scheduled working hours.
• Other services, tasks, functions, and responsibilities as necessary and not otherwise specified.

Non‑essential Duties

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

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Patience and emotional stability; ability to respond professionally in crisis.
• Proficiency in business English, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Operating office machines (computer, fax, copier).
• Ability to read and follow written instructions in English.
• Ability to perform tasks safely without endangering any employee, individual, or asset.
• Follow orders and directives; work with supervisor and staff.
• Adhere to SpectraCare policy, HIPAA, and confidentiality laws.
• Adhere to health and safety standards; stay awake during shifts.
• Basic knowledge of individual rights.
• Effective communication with mentally ill/substance‑using individuals (written and oral).
• Adaptability to varying conditions.
• Relaying coping skills and positive attitude skills; facilitating educational groups.
• Function well in stressful environments and manage stress.
• Travel as necessary; interact with agencies and other staff.
• Demonstrate initiative.

Training Requirements

• Complete initial new hire training.
• Complete required on‑the‑job training by department.
• Obtain proper certifications needed for duties.
• Complete annual training per Alabama Administrative Code, CMS, and other regulations.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Occasional need to maintain back extension or put body weight on knees/ elbows.
• Ability to kneel, reach, and maintain constant contact during restraints.
• Rapid ambulation to assist in restraints.
• Travel to facilities with varying weather conditions.
• Temperature‑controlled setting with minimal desk sitting.
• Good ergonomics to avoid injuries.
• Lift or move up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Standing, walking, bending, twisting, lunging, squatting, reaching.
• Possible mopping, sweeping, making beds, washing clothes as needed.
• Exposure to odors, chemicals, latex, plastic, noise, bodily fluids, contagions, wet floors.
• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Required Qualifications / Education / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license and good MVR.
• Pass background check and drug screen.
• Meet insurability requirements to drive system vehicle (21 years of age).

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.