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Mental Health Technician/Assistant

At Houston Methodist, the Mental Health Technician/Assistant (MHT/Asst) position demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to 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. The MHT/Asst position records data and performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures and reports observations and patient problems to the nurse and utilizes therapeutic communication techniques.

Overseeing multiple priorities, the MHT/Asst position must be able to perform the duties and functions of a Unit Administrative Assistant position and/or Patient Care Assistant position. This position may involve travel to conduct home visits. Other duties for the MHT/Asst position include serving as a mentor to MHT's, utilizing skills and knowledge, helping to train and orient others.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• • Must have one of the following:
  If certified as a CNA or CMA, then minimum two (2) years acute care hospital experience. If not certified, then minimum three (3) years Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant experience or two years of secretarial/office or college/vocational training.
• Three (3) years of experience as a Mental Health Technician in a psychiatric/substance abuse setting with specialized training and previous experience in crisis intervention and prevention in a hospital setting

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Required

• BLS
  - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
• NVCRISIS
  - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention or Instructor (CPI) - Crisis Prevention Institute

Preferred

• CNA
  - Certified Nursing Assistant
  - State Licensure or
• CMA
  - National Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) or
• CMA
  - National Certified Medical Assistant (NAHP) or
• CMA
  - National Certified Medical Assistant (NCCT) or
• CMA
  - National Certified Medical Assistant (NHA)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient 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 security
• Ability 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 principles
• Demonstrates knowledge/skill in group facilitation
• Demonstrates solid knowledge of court processes for detaining patients
• Displays strong time management skills
• Demonstrates ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system to support the department and interprofessional health care team as appropriate
• Demonstrates knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database
• Possesses basic computer knowledge. Operates multiple computer systems including electronic health records, i.e., Epic, and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, & Excel) to maintain patient information

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ESSENTIAL 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, facilitating treatment goals for the patient.
• 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.
• Serves as a Preceptor for new hires to the department or ED float staff.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs and assists with patient care activities of daily living (ADL's), such as elimination, hygiene, nutrition, and progress activity under the direction of a registered nurse. Performs and records diagnostic measurements as determined by skills training and validation. Assists with group facilitation, performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies.
• Responds to the phone and call light systems, contacting nursing personnel as appropriate, and follows through with meeting patient needs, responding appropriately to patient behaviors. Assists with transporting of patients.
• Records care administered according to established procedures. Performs clerical duties including maintaining and…