Mental Health Technician (MHT) - Psychiatric Unit

PeaceHealth; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

403(b) retirement plan with employer-m

Generous paid time off

Employer-paid life and disability

Tuition reimbursement and continuing教育

Job summary

PeaceHealth’s Psychiatric Unit in Eugene, Oregon seeks a Mental Health Technician for full-time, 0.90 FTE, evening shift (15:00–23:30). Pay range is $24.41–$36.22 per hour, with the rate influenced by education, training, and experience; union contract applies.

The role emphasizes building connections, patient safety, and collaborative care with nurses in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting. BLS and CNA/EMT credentials are required, with room for growth in behavioral health.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in an acute care psychiatric facility or
• Recent experience supporting individuals with behavioral health needs in a psychiatric setting or
• At least 20 shifts floating to an inpatient psychiatric unit as a CNA
• Current Oregon CNA or EMT-B certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire

Responsibilities

• Build rapport and engage with patients throughout the day.
• Monitor patient well-being and observe changes in behavior, mood, and safety needs.
• Document observations clearly and accurately.
• Assist patients with daily living activities, including hygiene, dressing, mobility, and meals.
• Take vital signs and collect routine specimens when needed.
• Support patients during therapeutic groups and structured activities.
• Partner with nurses to provide compassionate, coordinated care.
• Use de-escalation techniques to maintain a calm, therapeutic environment.
• Assist with seclusion and restraint procedures when necessary and monitor safety.
• Help admit, transport, and support psychiatric patients when needed.
• Keep patient care areas clean, organized, safe, and welcoming.
• Stock supplies and ensure the unit is prepared to support patient care.

Skills

Observation

Communication

Problem-solving

De-escalation techniques

Restraint/seclusion awareness

Education

Oregon CNA certification

Oregon EMT-B certification

Job description

Description

Mental Health Technician - Psychiatric Unit | PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center | Eugene, Oregon

Full-Time | 0.90 FTE | Evening Shift (1500-2330)
Pay Range: $24.41 – $36.22per hour

The hiring rate is dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to education, training, work experience, terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement, seniority, etc.

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement. There may be more than one opening on this posting.

If you're looking for a behavioral health role where you can build real connections instead of feeling like you're simply moving patients through the day, this is your opportunity.

At PeaceHealth, our Psychiatric Unit is investing in compassionate, patient-centered care at a time when mental health support has never been more important. Here, you'll work alongside an experienced team, spend meaningful time with patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and see the impact of your presence in their progress every day.

Why PeaceHealth. Why Now

Your best work in behavioral health happens when you have the time, support, and trust to connect with patients as people. That's exactly what we're building in Eugene.

What's in it for you?

• Be a steady presence in a patient's recovery journey. You'll spend meaningful time interacting with patients, supporting daily activities, observing behavioral changes, and helping create a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Make an impact beyond tasks and checklists. Your observations, communication, and de-escalation skills directly influence patient safety, treatment planning, and recovery outcomes.
• Join a team that values behavioral health expertise. Your voice matters. You'll collaborate closely with nurses and care teams that rely on your insights and patient relationships.
• Grow your behavioral health career. Whether you're a CNA, EMT, or experienced psychiatric caregiver, you'll gain valuable experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Work where quality of life matters. Eugene offers easy access to trails, rivers, mountains, and the Oregon coast, making it an ideal place to recharge outside of work.

What You'll Do

You’ll help create a safe, supportive environment where patients can focus on healing.

In this role, you will:

• Build rapport and engage with patients throughout the day.
• Monitor patient well-being and observe changes in behavior, mood, and safety needs.
• Document observations clearly and accurately.
• Assist patients with daily living activities, including hygiene, dressing, mobility, and meals.
• Take vital signs and collect routine specimens when needed.
• Support patients during therapeutic groups and structured activities.
• Partner with nurses to provide compassionate, coordinated care.
• Use de-escalation techniques to help maintain a calm, therapeutic environment.
• Assist with seclusion and restraint procedures when necessary and monitor patient safety throughout.
• Help admit, transport, and support psychiatric patients when needed.
• Keep patient care areas clean, organized, safe, and welcoming.
• Stock supplies and ensure the unit is prepared to support patient care.
• Contribute to a culture of dignity, respect, and recovery-focused care.

What You'll Bring

Required

• One year of experience in an acute care psychiatric facility or
• Recent experience supporting individuals with behavioral health needs in a psychiatric setting or
• At least 20 shifts floating to an inpatient psychiatric unit as a CNA
• Current Oregon CNA certification or Oregon EMT-B certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire (must be obtained through American Heart Association or American Red Cross)
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with psychiatric patients
• Strong observation, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with patient de-escalation techniques, restraint, and seclusion practices

Preferred

• College coursework in Psychology or another health-related field
• Previous acute care or inpatient psychiatric experience

Additional Department Requirements

• Graduate of a Certified Nursing Assistant Acute Care Program or EMT Program
• Crisis Intervention Certification within 90 days of hire

Life at PeaceHealth

At PeaceHealth, we believe exceptional patient care starts with exceptional caregiver support. Our culture is grounded in compassion, respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving our communities.

You’ll join a team that values diverse perspectives, treats one another with kindness, and works together to create an environment where both patients and caregivers can thrive. We are committed to inclusivity, respect for diversity, and cultural humility in everything we do.

Why Eugene?

Eugene offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, community connection, and Pacific Northwest charm.

• Miles of hiking, biking, and running trails
• Easy access to mountains, rivers, forests, and the Oregon Coast
• A vibrant arts, food, and local culture scene
• A welcoming community that values wellness, sustainability, and balance
• The opportunity to build a meaningful healthcare career while enjoying an exceptional quality of life

Total Rewards

PeaceHealth is committed to the overall wellbeing of our caregivers: physical, emotional, financial, social, and spiritual.

Some of the Benefits included in this package:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and matching opportunities
• Generous paid time off
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Wellness benefits
• Expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health resources

PeaceHealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all caregivers and applicants. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

See how PeaceHealth is committed to Inclusivity, Respect for Diversity and Cultural Humility.