Nursing Assistant Mental Health Tech

Apploi; Mandeville (LA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Northlake Behavioral Health System in Mandeville, LA is hiring Mental Health Technician/Nursing Assistant to support patients across behavioral health units. This hands-on role focuses on compassionate care, de-escalation, and collaboration with nurses and therapists.

The position requires flexibility for 12-hour day and night shifts, with alternating weeks and some weekends/holidays. A high school diploma and CPR/BLS credentials are expected, with nursing assistant certification desirable.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Nursing Assistant Certification desirable; BLS (AHA) and CPI certification required; provided if needed.
• Ability to work across hospital units and adapt to patient populations.
• Commitment to confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and supervise patients during daily activities and therapy groups.
• Monitor behaviors, document observations, and support safety checks.
• Collaborate with nurses and therapists to support treatment plans.
• Respond to codes and assist with crisis interventions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and structured unit environment.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Nursing Assistant Certification (desirable)

BLS (AHA) certification

CPI certification

Job description

Position: Mental Health Technician/Nursing Assistant
Status: Full Time, Non Exempt
Schedule: 12-Hour Shifts, Days (6:45am to 7:00pm) and Nights (6:45pm to 7:00am)
Schedule: Alternating weeks of three shifts and four shifts; some weekend and holidays required

Join a team that makes a real difference every day. Our Mental Health Technicians play an essential role in supporting patients throughout their behavioral health journey. As a Nursing Assistant/Mental Health Technician, you will work across units throughout the hospital, providing care and support to patients across all units.

This is a hands on, people-centered position that requires compassion, patience, emotional maturity, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to working with people experiencing behavioral health challenges and crisis. You must be comfortable working with a wide range of ages, diagnoses, personalities, and levels of need.

About the Role

You will help create a safe, supportive, and structured environment for patients receiving behavioral health services. As a CNA/MHT, you may be assigned to any unit in the hospital based on patient and staffing needs. Daily work includes guiding patients through routines and activities, supporting therapeutic groups, observing and documenting behavior, and using approved de-escalation techniques when needed.

You will also help with safety checks, monitor patient areas, and collaborate closely with nurses, therapists, and the rest of the care team. The ability to quickly adapt to different units and patient populations is essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome, supervise, and support patients throughout daily activities including groups, meals, and treatment planning
• Build positive, supportive relationships with patients through therapeutic communication
• Monitor behaviors, complete required observations, and document accurately
• Assist with safety checks, room checks, and routine searches
• Support patient treatment goals by understanding each person’s care plan
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and structured unit environment
• Respond to facility codes and support crisis interventions using approved methods
• Facilitate or assist with basic educational or skills groups
• Adapt approach and communication style to meet the needs of patients across different age groups and units
• Uphold patient rights, privacy, and all facility policies
• Perform other duties that support patient care and team needs

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• A genuine interest in and commitment to working with individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and crisis
• Able to work across all hospital units and adapt to different patient populations and unit needs
• Nursing Assistant Certification desirable
• BLS (AHA) and CPI certification required; company provided if needed
• Previous relevant experience or completion of a related clinical program preferred
• Available to complete a full six (6) days of orientation (Mon-Fri, 7:45 am to 5:00 pm)
• Able to maintain confidentiality and uphold HIPAA standards

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northlake Behavioral Health System is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or class.