Job Description

The mental health tech (MHT) participates in the delivery of patient care to psychiatric patients in crisis in a caring, safe and efficient manner under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. The MHT will assist in providing, monitoring and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment. Other responsibilities include specimen collection, activities of daily living, behavioral management, crisis intervention and implementation of patient treatment in accordance with physician orders, RN directives, hospital and unit specific policies and procedures and defined standards of patient care and clinical practice. In collaboration with patients and families (as defined by the patient), the MHT is responsible for the care of patients.

Responsibilities

Job Summary

• Monitors and maintains the therapeutic environment
• Participates in identification, management and stabilization of crisis situations
• Transports patients and remains with them for the duration of any tests performed. Accompanies patients to, and waits with them when appropriate for, their discharge transportation (personal vehicle, cab, etc.)
• Assists with conducting physical examinations, conducting safety and contraband searches, transferring and discharging patients and implementing and documenting seclusion and restraint usage
• Performs vital signs and oxygen saturation monitoring, phlebotomy and point-of-care testing and documents, as needed
• Assists other members of the nursing care team and/or other disciplines
• Performs delegated and ancillary basic nursing skills, including facilitating daily living activities, monitoring patient condition, using correct body mechanics, providing nutritional support and engaging in other activities as appropriate to clinical service, in accordance with hospital standards, nursing standards of care and policies and procedures
• Must obtain and maintain certification through completion of an organizationally endorsed crisis intervention training program as determined by the facility (required)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Critical to this Role:

• May assist with EKGs, phlebotomy, glucose monitoring and vital signs, as trained and assigned
• Able to utilize therapeutic communication techniques to perform and document interventions
• Able to communicate effectively with members of the health care team, patients and families, often under stress or in emergency situations
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, caregivers, other employees and the general public
• Proven ability to work on a team – ability to work with others, serve others, help others, lead others, mentor others and take direction from others in the interest of moving process and programs forward to the desired outcome; able to see the big picture in emotionally charged situations and respond in a mature, professional and composed manner
• Strong customer service and communication skills; responsive, polite and pleasant to work with; provides timely, accurate information; can build working relationships with others through trust, communication and credibility

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED/equivalent (required)
• College coursework in social and health sciences (preferred)

Experience:

• One (1) year of inpatient or emergency psychiatry or related experience (preferred)
• Completion of a recognized clinical assistant, medical assistant or EMT training program (preferred)
• Nursing students who have completed Fundamental of Nursing School (preferred)

Licensure:

• Transport MHTs must maintain a valid driver’s license (required for transport roles)

Certification:

• CPR accredited by the American Heart Association for Healthcare Providers (required)