Psychiatric Technician (Part-time)

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with company matching

Accelerated PTO accrual

Cell phone discounts

Tickets at Work

Headspace subscription

Employee Assistance Program

Student loan forgiveness programs

Job summary

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD in Houston, Texas seeks a Mental Wellness Advocate and Care Specialist to support psychiatric treatment teams and collaborate with licensed nursing staff.

You will provide direct care to individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, foster a safe environment, document progress, and help with daily living tasks, while promoting trauma-informed care and patient dignity.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of direct care experience in a psychiatric or behavioral healthcare environment preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment, ensuring regular rounds and patient and property searches are conducted to allow patients to focus on managing illnesses and disabilities for healing.
• Aid in basic patient care such as eating, bathing, dressing, and teaching and encouraging basic hygiene and daily living skills while tracking progress to identify need for additional services or changes in treatment.
• Provide behavioral emergency assistance, including patient restraint using approved Agency curriculum or basic first aid when needed, and recognize and report homicidal or suicidal behaviors.
• Monitor and document patient behavior during seclusion or when on precautions.
• Perform 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.
• Respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of others.
• Interact with the community, colleagues, and patients by following key principles of a trauma‑informed approach.
• Assist with development of Psychiatric Technician I work schedules, daily assignments, hiring, and training of other Psychiatric Technician I staff.
• Facilitate communication among all staff regarding patient needs.
• Perform housekeeping duties when required or in the absence of housekeeping or cleaning crew.
• Demonstrate a positive and professional work ethic, serving as a role model to residents.
• Comply with agency policies, procedures, regulatory bodies, and perform contract documentation requirements.
• Contribute to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma‑informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Standard Precautions

Infection Control

Handle with Care

Crisis Intervention

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Brief Description

Join our 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.

Responsibilities

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment, ensuring regular rounds and patient and property searches are conducted to allow patients to focus on managing illnesses and disabilities for healing.
• Aid in basic patient care such as eating, bathing, dressing, and teaching and encouraging basic hygiene and daily living skills while tracking progress to identify need for additional services or changes in treatment.
• Provide behavioral emergency assistance, including patient restraint using approved Agency curriculum or basic first aid when needed, and recognize and report homicidal or suicidal behaviors.
• Monitor and document patient behavior during seclusion or when on precautions.
• Perform 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.
• Respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of others.
• Interact with the community, colleagues, and patients by following key principles of a trauma‑informed approach.
• Assist with development of Psychiatric Technician I work schedules, daily assignments, hiring, and training of other Psychiatric Technician I staff.
• Facilitate communication among all staff regarding patient needs.
• Perform housekeeping duties when required or in the absence of housekeeping or cleaning crew.
• Demonstrate a positive and professional work ethic, serving as a role model to residents.
• Comply with agency policies, procedures, regulatory bodies, and perform contract documentation requirements.
• Contribute 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 a 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 ability to apply Handle with Care Crisis Intervention Techniques (HWC III).
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate patient care with the treatment team.

Benefits

The Harris Center offers a competitive salary and a suite of benefits designed to enrich your life professionally and personally. You will receive a robust retirement plan with generous company matching, accelerated Paid Time Off accrual, cell phone discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, a free Headspace subscription, and an Employee Assistance Program. Eligible employees may also qualify for student loan forgiveness programs.

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 boasts an annual budget exceeding $300 million. It delivers a full continuum of services across 80 sites throughout Harris County and offers services in more than 40 languages, including sign language, to serve the state’s diverse communities. With a workforce of more than 2,500 employees, the Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents, giving them hope to live their fullest potential.