Mental Health Technician, AM

Overview

A Mental Health Technician is a professional who provides support to mental healthcare professionals within a mental health crisis center facility.  They observe and record patient behavior and activities and make report to nurses and doctors as required. They ensure patient comfort and care while being treated by engaging with patients during groups and between medical treatments, preparing and serving patient meals, and supervising patient showers and other personal care as needed.  Mental Health Technicians also ensure patient safety by utilizing de-escalation skills to calm patients who might be experiencing a crisis. All de-escalation skills and training will be provided after hire.

Responsibilities

General responsibilities

• Provide care to patients in a way that ensures patient comfort and safety.
• Assists patients with daily living (serving meals, escorting to restroom/showers, providing clothing, etc.…)
• Assists with patient behavioral problems utilizing de-escalation techniques.
• Observe and identify patients who might be agitated or distressed and engaging with those patients to prevent a crisis escalation.
• Observes and records patient activities and behaviors according to policies and procedures.
• Provide meals according to established program schedule and guidelines.
• Conducts patient and bed/chair searches for contraband items per AltaPointe Policy and Procedure as needed or when required.
• Provides one to one coverage for patients on special status as assigned.
• Collaborates with the treatment team members to ensure efficient patient care.
• Collaborates with other team members in participating in/leading activities and group sessions with patients.
• Assists with crisis intervention when needed.
• Assists in the application and or use of seclusion and restraint per AltaPointe Policy and Procedure when required.
• Maintains cleanliness of patient beds, chairs, tables, and other furniture items within the observation facility.
• Maintain cleanliness of food preparation area and food storage units (freezers, refrigerators, and pantry closets or shelving.
• Maintains order of the linen and clothing unit as needed.
• Conducts and reports inventory of food, linen, and other items used to serve and care for the patients.
• Conducts and reports inventory of forms needed to document and record patient activity and behaviors.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient records.
• Maintains established policies and procedures to ensure environmental, quality assurance, safety, and infection control standards.
• Performs hand-off communication at shift change.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Supervision and consultation

• Seeks supervision and consultation as needed
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
• Actively works to enhance skills

Courteous and respectful attitudes towards consumers, visitors and co-workers

• Treats consumers with care, dignity and compassion
• Manages physically aggressive consumers in a manner which protects individual dignity, respect, and self-esteem
• Respects consumers’ privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Assists consumers and visitors as needed
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others
• Is sensitive to the consumers’ needs, expectations, and individual differences
• Is gentle and calm with consumers and families

Administrative and other related duties as assigned

• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities
• Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner
• Follows AltaPointe policies and procedures
• Attends appropriate in-services training and other workshops

Physical Requirements of the Job:

• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 25 pounds.
• Must be able to walk while carrying food trays or other items without losing balance.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, or squat without falling over.
• Must be able to reach forward or overhead without restriction.
• Must have fine dexterity and fine manipulation ability to ensure ability to utilizes keys, grasp paperwork, pull/turn doorknobs, etc...
• Must have visual acuity in at least one eye and full range of head and neck motions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:    

• At least 6-months experience in the healthcare field with experience relative to patient care
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification as a C.N.A. or N.A. preferred but not required.  
• Ability to utilize a computer and basic Microsoft Word applications.
• At least 23 years of age
• Valid driver’s license
• Dependable transportation