Mental Health Technician, Nightshift

Mental Health Technician, NightshiftAt 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.Qualifications:High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)One (1) year of previous experience as a Mental Health Technician in a psychiatric/substance abuse settingThree (3) years' experience as a nursing/patient care assistant with specialized training and experience in crisis management prevention in a hospital setting.Licenses and Certifications Required:BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association andNVCRISIS - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention or Instructor (CPI) - Crisis Prevention Institute within 30 daysKnowledge and Abilities:Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluationsSufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or securityAbility to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principlesDemonstrates knowledge of court processes for detaining patientsProgression towards organizational and problem solving skills as evidenced by capacity to prioritize multiple tasks and role componentsProgression towards demonstrating time management skillsAbility to progress towards independence and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team, patients and their familiesDemonstrates ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system to support the department and interprofessional health care team as appropriatePossesses basic computer knowledge. Operates multiple computer systems including electronic health records, i.e., Epic, and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, & Excel) to maintain patient informationEssential Functions:Interacts with peers, staff and visitors in a supportive and respectful manner. Encourages open communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional.Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance to obtain optimal department results. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Works well with others to make contributions to the work effort as a whole and facilitates problem resolution.Follows the patient and family-centered care standards, as directed by registered nurse. Performs treatments, activities and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures and reports observations and patient problems to the registered nurse.Offers assistance to physicians, patients, visitors and staff as appropriate using progressive knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database such as EPIC. Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system to support the department and interprofessional care team as appropriate.Assists with maintaining and cleaning of equipment and stocking supplies as established on assigned unit. Assists with positioning and transporting of patients.Utilizes progressive skills through peer-to-peer accountability towards improving department score for patient satisfaction on unit-based scorecard.Accurately records all aspects of care administered in the patient medical record according to established procedures. Maintains processes and updates patient records, assuring all forms are properly identified with the patient's name and contents are filed correctly.Organizes the work flow, problem-solves and manages multiple ongoing priorities, with minimal supervision. Inputs errors promptly into the patient safety reporting system to improve processes and identify trends.Demonstrates progressive skills towards meeting quality and safety targets on unit-based scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability, focusing on the task at hand and reporting near misses.Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Uses resources effectively and efficiently.Progressively contributes towards meeting department financial targets on unit-based scorecard through timely documentation of care, minimizing incidental overtime, optimizing efficiency and other areas according to departmental specifications.Participates in department projects and shared governance activities.Seeks guidance and validation of knowledge base, skill level and decision making as necessary, especially in areas of question, from preceptor and assigned licensed personnelSeeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Technician.Supplemental Requirements:Uniform: NoScrubs: YesBusiness professional: NoOther (department approved): NoOn Call* NoMay require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area YesMay require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area YesCompany Profile:Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in West Houston, Katy and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including cardiology and cardiovascular surgery; neurology and neurosurgery; comprehensive cancer care; orthopedics and sports medicine; gastroenterology; bariatrics; childbirth center with level III NICU; emergency care; and advanced imaging.Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.