Psychiatric Technician

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Prior service credit

Cell phone discounts

Tickets at Work

Headspace

Employee assistance program

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is seeking a Mental Wellness Advocate and Care Specialist to support patients under licensed nursing supervision. This role emphasizes compassionate care, safety, and collaboration with clinical teams at our Houston site.

Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patient status, and contributing to crisis intervention efforts. Candidates should have a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license, with at least one

Qualifications

• Effective communication with patients, families, and treatment teams.
• Knowledge of Standard Precautions and infection control procedures.
• Ability to coordinate patient care with the treatment team.

Responsibilities

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment with regular rounds and patient searches.
• Assist with basic patient care (eating, bathing, dressing) and daily living skills while monitoring progress.
• Provide behavioral emergency support and report concerning behaviors per policy.
• Monitor and document patient behavior in seclusion or on precautions.
• Perform routine duties (vital signs, specimen collection) as delegated by nursing staff.

Skills

Communication

Crisis intervention

Patient care

Infection control

Trauma-informed care

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Brief Description Join our team HCC OPEN DOOR MISSION team at

Brief Description Join our team HCC OPEN DOOR MISSION team at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) as a Mental Wellness Advocate and Care Specialist, revolutionizing the role of a Psychiatric Technician. Collaborating with licensed nursing personnel and clinical treatment teams, you will provide direct care services to individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, creating a safe and supportive environment. Your passion for mental health advocacy and strong interpersonal skills will empower patients on their journey towards recovery and well‑being. Join us and be part of the future of mental wellness.

Your Role In Action

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment, including ensuring regular rounds and patient and property searches are facilitated so patients can focus on managing their illnesses and disabilities to promote healing


• Aid in basic patient care such as eating, bathing, dressing, and teaching and encouraging basic hygiene and other daily living skills while observing patient progress to identify the need for additional services or changes in current treatment


• Provide behavioral emergency assistance, such as patient restraint using approved Agency curriculum or basic first aid when needed, as well as recognize and report homicidal or suicidal behaviors


• Monitor and document behavior of patients in seclusion or on precautions


• Performs duties (e.g. vital signs, specimen collection) as delegated by nursing personnel or assigned by a physician


• Utilize Standard Precautions appropriately to prevent the spread of infection


• Respects the rights, dignity, respect, and privacy of others


• Interacts with the community, colleagues, and patients by following the key principles of a trauma informed approach


• Assists with the development of Psychiatric Technician I work schedules and daily assignments as well as help with hiring and training of other Psychiatric Technician I


• Facilitates communication between all staff regarding patient's needs.


• Performs housekeeping duties when required or in the absence of housekeeping/cleaning crew.


• Demonstrates a positive and professional work ethic even functioning as a role model to residents.


• Complies with agency policies & procedures accreting/regulatory bodies & performs contract documentation requirements.


• Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma.

Experience

• 1 year of direct care experience in psychiatric or behavioral healthcare environment preferred.

Other Key Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of Standard Precautions and Infection Control Procedures.


• Knowledge of and the ability to apply Handle with Care Crisis Intervention Techniques (HWC III).


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to coordinate patient care with treatment team.

What We Have To Offer

• Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching – a testament to our investment in your long‑term financial well‑being.


• Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well‑deserved breaks.


• Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness.


• Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well‑being.


• Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team.


• As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What Else You Should Know

• 70217- Sunday-Thursday 1:45PM-10:15PM

About Us

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million. As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation. By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.