Mental Health Technician (Riverside/HOPE)

Mental Health Technicians are responsible for providing safe, effective patient care under the direction of the Charge Nurse. The Mental Health Tech (MHT) has a significant role in direct patient care and is a principle element in providing a safe and therapeutic environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Facilitates educational, expressive therapy and rehabilitative groups (social skills and coping skills)
Supervises patients on living units, in groups, and during off unit activities in accordance with supervision guidelines.
Provides timely, thorough, and accurate documentation of patient behavior and response to treatment interventions.
Intervenes in a timely manner to prevent and respond therapeutically to patient acting-out. Demonstrates effective use of de-escalation, self protection skills, and patient containment skills when managing aggressive patients.
Assures safety of patients; performs safety inspections, room and body searches; assures that patient's rights are protected, reports suspected abuse.
Manages unit structure and milieu schedule to assure patients are structured in a manner that promote successful behavior, and to assure patients receive prescribed services.
Adheres to facility Code of Ethics, Standards of Conduct, Emergency Preparedness Responses, Safety Protocols, SMBHS Policies & Procedures, and assures program meets and maintains standards in accordance with regulatory requirements.

STANDARD SHIFTS:

Days worked vary between locations and units.

Full Time positions range from 32 hours to 40 hours weekly. Full-time direct-care positions come with benefits including medical, dental, long term disability, short term disability, life insurance, 401k, and PTO accrual.

On-Call (PRN) positions are also available for workers who require flexibility, or who are seeking part-time or occasional work. PRN employees must be available to work a minumum of six days per month to maintain PRN status. Of the six available shifts: one must be on the weekend, one must be availab le for an 11-7 shift, and one must be available as a "pick up" shift. You will also be required to work at least 3 holidays (per calendar year) from the following: Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, and Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day or New Year's Day. Contact Human Resources for a current listing of shifts available.

ROLE OF THE MHT:

The responsibilities of the Mental Health Tech include providing life skills coaching and supervision to children in inpatient psychiatric care. MHTs facilitate educational rehabilitation groups and are also active in providing assistance to teachers in the classroom and to therapists leading group therapy sessions. MHTs also provide training and supervision during activities of daily living to assure that patients perform routines at age appropriate levels of independence. MHTs accompany patients to community based activities (such as dental or medical appointments) and recreational outings. A primary aspect of the job is the implementation of behavioral interventions and special treatment interventions. They provide ongoing close supervision of inpatients to assure the safety of patients. The MHT must be skilled in therapeutic interactions: providing direction and coaching to clients, intervening during behavioral crisis, using verbal and physical interventions (training is provided) to managing patients who become a danger to self or others. MHTs document patient behaviors, interventions, and treatment provided, along with the patient's response to treatment during each shift. Documentation is expected to be thorough and professional. MHTs work to maintain the safety of the treatment environment, assuring that safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and infection control measures are taken.

The specific duties of the MHT vary from shift to shift.

Day Shift: MHTs who work during the day will be actively involved in assisting teachers with education, therapists with therapy groups. MHTs also facilitate rehab groups, training ADL skills, implementing behavioral interventions, de-escalation of aggressive behaviors, and conducting 15-minute safety checks.

Evening & Weekend Shifts: MHTs working evenings or weekends will facilitate more social skills and leisure based activities, and supervise family visitation. MHTs also facilitate rehab groups, training ADL skills, implementing behavioral interventions, de-escalation of aggressive behaviors, and conducting 15-minute safety checks.

11-7 Shifts: The focus of MHTs working the 11-7 shift will be the supervision of sleeping patients, documentation, the auditing of patient medical records, and assisting patients with performing morning hygiene routines. Night shift workers also implement behavioral interventions as required, assist with de-escalation of aggressive behaviors, and conduct 15-minute safety checks.

REQUIREMENTS:
You must be 21 years of age, be a high school graduate (or equivalent), and possess no criminal convictions related to acts of aggression, drug use, animal cruelty, or sex crimes (in accordance in OKDHS regulations). Any failure to disclose information or listing of false information during the application process will disqualify you as a candidate for employment.

We prefer that you have a BA/BS or some college experience in psychology, social work, or a related field of study. Also prefer previous work experience in a school or mental health setting.

We are seeking applicants for MHT positions at the following locations in Oklahoma:

Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health System
6262 South Sheridan
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
Riverside Behavioral Health & HOPE
1013 E. 66th Place
Tulsa, OK  74136