Mental Health Technician Job Description

A Mental Health Technician provides direct patient care and support to individuals with mental health conditions, working under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. This role is vital for maintaining a safe therapeutic environment and ensuring patients receive consistent, compassionate care that supports their treatment plans and overall well-being.

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What is a Mental Health Technician?

A Mental Health Technician is a healthcare professional who assists in the care and treatment of patients with mental illnesses or emotional disorders. They work in various settings such as hospitals, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics. This position requires a unique blend of empathy, patience, and clinical observation skills to support both patients and the broader treatment team in achieving therapeutic goals.

What does a Mental Health Technician do?

Mental Health Technicians perform several critical functions including monitoring patient behavior and vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, and de-escalating potentially volatile situations. They document patient progress, facilitate therapeutic group activities, and ensure medication adherence under nurse supervision. Additionally, they provide emotional support to patients, help maintain a safe environment, and communicate observations to the treatment team to inform care decisions.

Job Overview

The Mental Health Technician provides direct patient care and support under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals in various clinical settings. This role involves assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patient behavior, implementing treatment plans, and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment for individuals with mental health conditions.

Mental Health Technician responsibilities include:

1. Provide direct patient care and supervision in inpatient or outpatient mental health settings 2. Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, nutrition, and mobility 3. Monitor and document patient behavior, mood changes, and response to treatment 4. Implement de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies when necessary 5. Facilitate therapeutic groups and recreational activities under clinical supervision 6. Conduct safety checks and maintain a secure environment free of contraband 7. Assist with admission and discharge procedures 8. Collaborate with multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers 9. Administer basic medical procedures (vital signs, blood glucose testing) as trained and delegated 10. Maintain accurate electronic health records and documentation in compliance with HIPAA regulations
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Must-Have Requirements

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent 2. Minimum 1 year of direct patient care experience in mental health setting 3. Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from American Heart Association 4. CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification or equivalent crisis intervention training 5. Understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements 6. Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting, bending, and prolonged standing 7. Clear background check and drug screening 8. Valid state-issued identification and work authorization documents

Preferred Qualifications

1. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field 2. 2+ years of experience in psychiatric hospital or behavioral health facility 3. Certification as Mental Health Technician (CMHT) or Psychiatric Technician 4. Experience with electronic health record systems (Epic, Cerner, Meditech) 5. Knowledge of DSM-5 criteria and common mental health disorders 6. Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) in regions with diverse patient populations 7. Experience with specific patient populations (geriatric, adolescent, substance abuse) 8. Previous training in therapeutic communication techniques

Bonus Skills

1. Certification in specialized areas (Addiction counseling, Trauma-informed care) 2. Experience with behavioral tracking software and documentation systems 3. Training in suicide prevention protocols (ASIST, SafeTALK) 4. Knowledge of Medicaid/Medicare documentation requirements 5. Experience with group therapy facilitation and activity planning 6. Understanding of psychotropic medications and common side effects 7. Specialized training in eating disorders, autism spectrum, or other specialized populations 8. Military veteran with mental health training or experience

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