Mental Health Technician PRN Nights

Oceans Healthcare; Louisiana; On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Mental Health Technician to join their team. This role involves supporting nursing staff in delivering high-quality patient care within a therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patient behavior, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a compassionate approach to care, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. If you're passionate about making a difference in mental health, this opportunity offers a rewarding career path.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with CNA certification or 6 months of patient care experience.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Support nursing staff with patient care activities and maintain a safe environment.
• Document patient observations and communicate effectively with nursing staff.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Patient Care

CNA Certification

De-escalation Techniques

Cultural Sensitivity

Education

High School Diploma

CNA Certification

Job description

Join to apply for the Mental Health Technician PRN Nights role at Oceans Healthcare

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital, we understand the importance of turning to someone you can trust with your behavioral health needs. We are passionate about helping individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, behavioral changes related to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, medication management or substance abuse, and other mental health issues.

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) supports the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the MHT's training and experience. The MHT will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and performance improvement standards.

Essential Functions:

1. Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures, and abide by federal, state, and local requirements, as well as Joint Commission standards.
2. Effectively apply supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior. Demonstrate the ability to employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
3. Inventory patient belongings accurately and secure contraband as needed; complete unit safety checks.
4. Comply with standard/universal precautions and infection control policies; attend required in-services to stay informed.
5. Implement patient care activities under the supervision of licensed nursing personnel; perform vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, nutritional monitoring, and communicate findings to the nurse. Ensure patients receive appropriate diets by reviewing dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences.
6. Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and maintaining belongings; assist at risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs as needed.
7. Individualize all patient care activities to the age-specific, disability, and cultural sensitivity needs of the patient.
8. Communicate and document patient observations and data effectively; document patient departures, significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and observations with 100% accuracy and within defined timelines.
9. Communicate the outcome of assigned tasks to nursing staff in a timely manner; follow up on patient care responsibilities and ongoing activities to ensure continuity of care.
10. Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent with CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, utilizing age, disability, and cultural-specific knowledge.
• Good physical and mental health, demonstrated by a warm empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, and personal integrity.
• Ability to work under close supervision.
• Successful completion of CPR certification and Oceans-approved behavioral de-escalation program.

This position involves many interruptions, occasional pressure, and a high-paced, stressful environment. Candidates must be able to cope mentally and physically, tolerate disagreeable odors or sights, and handle unpredictable patient behavior. Work is primarily indoors, with exposure to temperature changes minimal.