Mental Health Technician (MHT)

SUN Behavioral Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SUN Behavioral Houston is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician to support patient care under RN supervision. The role focuses on safety, comfort, and daily living activities for psychiatric patients, with documentation in the EHR and collaboration with the treatment team.

Responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, observing mental status, assisting with seclusion/de-escalation under policy, and ensuring a safe unit.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CPR and hospital de-escalation technique certification required.
• Certified Nursing Assistant certification preferred.
• Some college classes encouraged.
• Previous healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes.
• Continuously observes patients' behavior and mental status; notifies RN of changes.
• Escort patients for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.
• Assist with restraint and seclusion under RN direction using CPI techniques.
• Documentation in EHR and Nursing Assessment Form; follow policies.
• Answer phones professionally and direct calls as needed.
• Participate in treatment team meetings; communicate with Nurse Manager, RNs, therapists and physicians.
• Perform 15-minute observation rounds and document appropriately.
• Assist in orientation of new staff members.
• Support therapeutic educational groups under RN or Director of Clinical Services.

Skills

Vital signs monitoring

De-escalation techniques

Observation and reporting

Communication

CPR certification

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR and de-escalation certification

Certified Nursing Assistant certification

Some college coursework

Tools

EHR system

Job description

Position Summary:Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a RN or LPN/LVN. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Provides a safe, clean environment. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.Position Responsibilities:Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes.Continuously observes patients' behavior, mental status and activities, notifies RN of any changes or unusual occurrences.Demonstrates the ability to identify behaviors that require intervention.Escorts patients when leaving the unit for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.Able to perform patient safety checks at scheduled times, documents appropriately.Able to assist with restraint (physical hold) of a patient, placing a patient in seclusion under the direction of the RN and utilizing CPI techniques and adherence to policy and procedure.Demonstrates the ability to set limits for patients and other de-escalation techniques.Documentation meets current standards and policies.Answers the telephone in a professional manner, directs calls appropriately, takes messages.Operates equipment safely and correctlyOrients patients to the unit, takes admission vital signs and records on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or the EHR.Participates in treatment team meetings. Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Manager, RNs therapists and physicians.Perform 15-minute observation rounds and documents appropriately.Assists in the orientation of new staff members.Assists with therapeutic educational groups under the direction of the RN or Director of Clinical Services.Responsible for one-on-one observation and constant visual observation for high-risk patients.Responsible for assisting patients needing additional care related to medical needs.Monitors patient's compliance with pre- and post- procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under the supervision of the RN.Provides general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs, meals.Performs other duties as assigned.Safety (15% of performance review)Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family membersFollows all safety rules while on the job.Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.Corrects minor safety hazards.Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.Teamwork (15% of performance review)Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as requiredDemonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.Adheres to the Standards of BehaviorIntegrity (15% of performance review)Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospitalAdheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadershipExemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.Compassion (15% of performance review)Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping handDesire to go above and beyond for othersUnderstanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differencesEducationRequired: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.Preferred: Some college classes. Certified Nursing Assistant certificationMaintains education and development appropriate for position.May substitute experience for educationExperienceRequired: Previous experience in a healthcare settingPreferred: One (1) year of experience as a behavioral health technicianMay substitute education for experience