Mental Health Technician, Nightshift

At Houston Methodist, the Mental Health Technician (MHT) position advances in skill and ability to care for, communicate effectively and carry out delegated tasks for population-specific patients. This position functions under the guidance and supervision of the registered nurse in meeting the physiological and psychosocial needs of the patient, utilizing therapeutic communication techniques. The MHT position records data and performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures and reports observations and patient problems to the nurse. This position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices, relationship-centered care in concert with the Houston Methodist Values. The MHT position may involve travel to conduct home visits. FLSA Status: Non-exempt. Work Shift: Night. Job Category: Non-clinical. Location: HM West - Main Hospital Building.

Responsibilities

Performs treatments, activities and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures; Reports observations and patient problems to the registered nurse; Meets the physiological and psychosocial needs of the patient using therapeutic communication techniques; Records data and maintains accurate patient medical records; Responsible for assigned non-nursing functions; Assists with maintaining and cleaning equipment and stocking supplies; Assists with positioning and transporting patients; Collaborates with the interprofessional care team; Participates in department projects and shared governance activities; Inputs errors promptly into the patient safety reporting system; May involve travel to conduct home visits

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent education; One (1) year of previous experience as a Mental Health Technician in a psychiatric/substance abuse setting; Three (3) years' experience as a nursing/patient care assistant with specialized training and experience in crisis management prevention in a hospital setting; BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association; NVCRISIS - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention or Instructor (CPI) - Crisis Prevention Institute within 30 days; Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job; Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language; Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers; Demonstrates knowledge of court processes for detaining patients; Progression towards organizational and problem solving skills; Progression towards demonstrating time management skills; Ability to progress towards independence and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team, patients and their families; Demonstrates ability to access information within the department and hospital system; Possesses basic computer knowledge, including electronic health records (Epic) and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, & Excel)