MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN - PER DIEM WEEKENDS

Universal Health Services, Inc.; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Health Services, Inc. is seeking a Mental Health Technician for the Suncoast Behavioral Health Center in Bradenton, FL.

This per diem weekend position supports direct patient care in a residential behavioral health setting, focusing on safety, supervision, and smooth daily activities for youths aged 11–17 with behavioral and emotional challenges. The MHT will monitor patients, assist nursing staff, and handle emergencies with trained responses, including Handle With Care and CPR as

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s Degree in psychology or related field preferred.
• Minimum 1 year psychiatric/behavioral direct care experience in a psychiatric hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Performs direct patient care in a residential behavioral health setting.
• Supervises patients in treatment, recreation, education, and activities of daily living.
• Ensures patient safety and uses least restrictive interventions when possible.
• Conducts patient monitoring and 12-minute checks.
• Assists nursing staff on unit and communicates with patients, co-workers, physicians.
• React calmly and effectively in emergencies.

Skills

High school diploma

Verbal & written communication

CPR certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

Suncoast Behavioral Health Center provides quality mental health care and education services for adolescents, ages 11–17 who are experiencing behavioral, emotional, educational, family and social challenges. The dedicated professionals at Suncoast Behavioral Health Center provide quality mental health treatment for children. The program establishes healthy behaviors and prepares children to transition back home.

Website: https://suncoastbhc.com/

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) performs direct patient care duties in a residential behavioral health setting. The Mental Health Technician is responsible for supervising the patient in treatment, recreation, educational settings, and other activities of daily living to assess changes in their social behaviors and clinical status. MHT’s have the primary responsibility for ensuring the patient’s safety in the facility. MHT's are responsible for understanding and using the least restrictive interventions per facility policy and successfully avoid seclusion and restraint whenever possible.

PER DIEM: WEEKENDS

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conducts patient monitoring and observation 12-minute checks
• Assists nursing staff on unit
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the patients
• Knowledge of risk and safety precautions in the care of patients
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, co-workers, physicians
• React calmly and effectively in emergency situations

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com .

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

• High school graduate or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree in psychology or related field preferred.
• Minimum 1 year previous psychiatric/behavioral direct care experience in a psychiatric hospital setting as a Mental Health Tech working with children, adolescents and/or adults.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Extensive walking, standing, sitting, Must be able to lift over fifty (50 lbs.) pounds. Must be to participate in the physical restraint and seclusion of patients. Must be able to participate in and complete Handle With Care Training on an annual basis.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to set and maintain therapeutic distance with clients; maintain therapeutic boundaries during treatment and following discharge.
• Must be able to read, understand, and follow: policies, procedures, and written treatment plans.
• Diversity and inclusion in regards to patients, families and co-workers.
• May be required to work occasional overtime and flexible hours.
• Successful completion of CPR Certification and successful completion of Handle with Care prior to assisting with a restraining procedure and within 7 days of employment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Physical agility to manage patients. Push, pull and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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