Mental Health Technician - Residential

$35,360 - $39,520/Yr

Center For Discovery - Shawnee, KS

Full-time - Entry Level

Shawnee, KS

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Mental Health Technician I (MH Tech 1) plays a crucial role in the treatment experience of patients at Discovery Behavioral Health. This position is responsible for assisting and supporting patients from the moment they are admitted until their discharge. The MH Tech 1 ensures patient safety and provides milieu interventions, which are essential for creating a therapeutic environment. They lead psychoeducational groups and support patients as they navigate through their treatment process. Given that the Tech team is available to patients 24/7, careful monitoring and effective communication with the treatment team are vital components of this role. In addition to monitoring patients, the MH Tech 1 orients new patients to the treatment program, explaining its requirements, intent, and daily routine. They complete necessary assessments within 24 hours of admission and identify any special needs of the new patients, communicating these to the treatment team. The technician is expected to monitor all patients throughout their treatment experience, ensuring they are within sight in the milieu and checking on them regularly in their rooms or other areas. The MH Tech 1 serves as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism and care towards co-workers, patients, and guests. They treat everyone with respect and courtesy, facilitating the treatment plan set forth by the therapist by providing daily support to patients. This includes helping patients engage in positive coping skills and directing them clearly and informatively. The technician is responsible for running therapeutic groups such as coping skills, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and life skills, ensuring these sessions last for the expected duration as outlined in the program schedule. Documentation of patient behaviors in the milieu is another critical responsibility, as technicians are the “eyes and ears” of the treatment environment. They must maintain confidentiality regarding all patient and program-related activities. The position also involves maintaining a clean environment and answering phone inquiries promptly and politely, transferring calls to the appropriate personnel when necessary. This full-time position requires working Tuesday through Saturday from 3 PM to 11 PM.

Responsibilities

• Orients new patients to the treatment program, its requirements, intent, and routine.
• Completes needed assessments within 24 hours of admission.
• Determines whether the new patient has any special needs and communicates those needs to the treatment team.
• Monitors all patients through the treatment experience, keeping them in line of sight in the milieu and checking on them regularly.
• Contributes to the well-being of all patients by serving as a positive role model and demonstrating a professional and caring manner.
• Facilitates treatment plans set forth by the Therapist by providing day-to-day support to patients.
• Directs patients in a clear, concise, and informative manner.
• Runs and engages patients in therapeutic groups such as coping skills, relapse prevention, psychoeducation, and life skills.
• Documents any behaviors that occur in the milieu thoroughly and appropriately.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all patient and program-related activities.
• Maintains a clean environment by completing required cleaning tasks during the shift.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree or one year of experience working with mental health or with adolescents preferred.
• Must possess a current Driver's License in good standing.
• Must be CPI and CPR/First Aid certified within 90 days of employment with Discovery.
• Must attend all training, education, and staff enrichment activities, including monthly online trainings and in-person trainings.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in patient monitoring is preferred.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Healthcare benefits
• Vacation and sick days
• Employee referral program
• Employee discounts to various stores, amusement parks, events, etc.
• Continuing education (CE) programs and training
• Weekly training opportunities
• Advancement opportunities within the organization