Mental Health Technician (MHT)

Come join SUN Behavioral Houston, where our mission is to partner with communities to solve the unmet needs of those who suffer from mental illness and substance use disorders. We are a free-standing psychiatric hospital that operates 24/7 that provides a full continuum of specialized care, including inpatient and day hospital services, and offer specialized programs for children, adolescents and adults. As a member of SUN Behavorial's diverse team of professionals, you will be provided meaningful employment and a supportive culture. For more information, visit www.sunhouston.com.

Work Schedule: Weekends only

FTE: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: 7601 Fannin St, Houston, Texas. 77054

What We Offer

• Medical
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  
  

Position Summary

Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a RN or LPN/LVN. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Provides a safe, clean environment. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Position Requirements

• Required: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
• Preferred: Some college classes. Certified Nursing Assistant certification
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position.
• May substitute experience for education
• Required: Previous experience in a healthcare setting
• Preferred: One (1) year of experience as a behavioral health technician
• May substitute education for experience
  
  

Position Responsibilities

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

• Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes.
• Continuously observes patients' behavior, mental status and activities, notifies RN of any changes or unusual occurrences.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify behaviors that require intervention.
• Escorts patients when leaving the unit for activities, meals, visitation, and scheduled tests.
• Able to perform patient safety checks at scheduled times, documents appropriately.
• Able to assist with restraint (physical hold) of a patient, placing a patient in seclusion under the direction of the RN and utilizing CPI techniques and adherence to policy and procedure.
• Demonstrates the ability to set limits for patients and other de-escalation techniques.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Answers the telephone in a professional manner, directs calls appropriately, takes messages.
• Operates equipment safely and correctly
• Orients patients to the unit, takes admission vital signs and records on the Nursing Assessment Form and/or the EHR.
• Participates in treatment team meetings. Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Nurse Manager, RNs therapists and physicians.
• Perform 15-minute observation rounds and documents appropriately.
• Assists in the orientation of new staff members.
• Assists with therapeutic educational groups under the direction of the RN or Director of Clinical Services.
• Responsible for one-on-one observation and constant visual observation for high-risk patients.
• Responsible for assisting patients needing additional care related to medical needs.
• Monitors patient's compliance with pre- and post- procedure instructions, including ECT instructions, under the supervision of the RN.
• Provides general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs, meals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Safety (15% of performance review)

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
  
  

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior
  
  

Integrity (15% of performance review)

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.
  
  

Compassion (15% of performance review)

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
• Desire to go above and beyond for others
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences