Mental Health Technician IV - Crisis (Temp Observation Unit)

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

Job summary

SpectraCare Health Systems, Inc. is seeking a Mental Health Technician IV to provide direct care and oversight in our Crisis Stabilization Unit in Dothan, Alabama. The ideal candidate will handle varied duties from monitoring individual behaviors to facilitating educational groups. A High School Diploma or GED along with a valid driver's license is required. Experience in clinical or mental health settings is preferred. We offer a competitive base pay starting at $15.00/hr, with a shift differential of $2.00.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental illness, substance use, and autism spectrum disorder.
• Ability to perform various tasks safely and effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and oversight in Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Conduct unit rounds and assess safety of individuals.
• Document group activities per SpectraCare Policies.

Skills

Knowledge of mental illness

Crisis intervention techniques

Patience and emotional stability

Effective communication

Ability to manage stressful environments

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid driver's license

Job description

Mental Health Technician IV - Crisis (Temporary Observation)

Located at our Crisis Center in Dothan, Alabama.

Schedule

• Week 1: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday (07:00 pm‑7:30 am)
• Week 2: Monday, Thursday, Friday (07:00 pm‑7:30 am)

Compensation

Base pay: $15.00/hr with a $2.00 shift differential.

Position Summary / Function

Provide intermediate-skilled direct care and oversight to individuals served in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and associated units. Duties include monitoring behaviors and interactions, facilitating daily living activities, guiding educational and coping skill groups, encouraging adherence to treatment, and ensuring safety. This is an "awake" position; sleep is not permitted while on duty.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities / Functions / Tasks

• Provide direct care and oversight in CSU, temporary observation units, and mobile crisis teams.
• Visually observe individuals admitted to the unit to ensure safety and perform 1:1 observation when required.
• Conduct unit rounds and assess safety of unit and individuals in care.
• Note significant changes in behavior or verbalizations, especially cues of increased anxiety or agitation, and report to the clinical team.
• Assist staff handling actively disturbed or violent individuals; request backup personnel as needed.
• Teach individuals behavioral and emotional techniques and support.
• Prepare food and snacks, monitoring those who need assistance with eating.
• Assist in transfer, discharge, dressing, and collection of personal belongings, following established procedures.
• Use behavioral and crisis intervention techniques to prevent injury and maintain a safe therapeutic environment.
• Be a positive role model, establishing therapeutic relationships and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Provide educational group facilitation when appropriate; plan, organize, and lead skill-based groups (social skills, coping skills, self-esteem, relaxation, etc.).
• Document group activities per SpectraCare Personnel Policies and applicable regulations.
• Order, store, and maintain adequate food stock; discard expired items.
• Maintain cleanliness of the unit, linens, and personal treatment areas.
• Maintain, update, and ensure privacy of individual records in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR.
• Complete all documentation accurately, timely, and in accordance with policies.
• Operate system vehicles, including wheelchair/handicap vehicles, safely; transport individuals as needed.
• Assist individuals with basic living skills and hygiene needs.
• Handle other duties as assigned, including treating others with respect, ensuring minimal errors in documentation, and responding promptly to inquiries.
• Participate in training, workshops, in-services, and administrative meetings.
• Provide support to absent secretaries when requested.
• Adhere to Dress Code, personnel and clinical policies, and ethical standards.
• Apply seclusion, protective holds, and restraints per policy; document incidents and participate in shift reporting.
• Remain awake during scheduled working hours and maintain regular attendance.
• Be willing to work on any unit/program as directed by SpectraCare based on facility needs.

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’s policies and procedures.

Essential Qualifications / Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder.
• Knowledge and use of crisis intervention techniques.
• Patience, emotional stability, and professional response in crisis situations.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of job tasks safely.
• Business English, spelling, and arithmetic proficiency.
• Office practices and procedures knowledge.
• Operate office machines (computer, fax, copy machine).
• Read instruction manuals in English.
• Understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Follow orders, directives, and work collaboratively with supervisors and staff.
• Adhere to SpectraCare policy, HIPAA, 42 CFR regarding confidentiality.
• Adhere to health and safety standards.
• Maintain alertness during shifts.
• Basic knowledge of individual’s rights.
• Communicate effectively with individuals and staff, both written and oral.
• Adapt to varying conditions.
• Facilitate educational groups and convey coping skills.
• Manage stressful environments and related stress.
• Travel as necessary.
• Ensure professional boundaries and effective working relationships with staff and agencies.
• Demonstrate initiative.

Training Requirements

• Complete initial new‑hire training.
• Complete department‑specific OJT training.
• Obtain all required certifications for job duties.
• Complete annual training per regulatory requirements.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Maintain back extension for short periods while on stomach.
• Kneel and reach to floor on same side when needed.
• Maintain constant contact with individuals during restraint procedures.
• Ambulate quickly to assist with restraints.
• Travel to facilities, including changing weather conditions.
• Operate in a temperature‑controlled setting with minimal seated desk work.
• Practice ergonomic movements to avoid injuries.
• Lift or move up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Communicate with staff and individuals.
• Stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, lunge, squat, and reach frequently.
• May perform mopping, sweeping, bed making, washing/drying clothes.
• Potential exposure to odors, chemicals, latex, plastic, noise, unpleasant sights, body fluids, contagious diseases, and wet floors.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Qualifications / Education / Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license with good MVR.
• 21 years of age to meet insurability requirements for system vehicle operation.
• 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.