Cna​/Mental Health Tech; Nights

Overview

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Technician to join our Inpatient Senior Behavioral Health Unit in Kankakee, Illinois. In this role, you will combine the responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with the specialized duties of a Mental Health Technician. You will provide vital support to our senior patients experiencing mental health challenges, ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment while promoting dignity and well-being.

Additionally, this role requires flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

• Assist patients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, and dressing, in accordance with CNA protocols.
• Monitor and document patient behavior, moods, and progress, promptly reporting any changes to nursing staff and the treatment team.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions and activities, promoting patient engagement and social interaction.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment by adhering to safety protocols, ensuring proper handling of any behavioral crises.
• Provide emotional support and companionship to patients, fostering trust and encouraging open communication.
• Support the implementation of individualized treatment plans, collaborating with the healthcare team.
• Participate in staff meetings and contribute insights on patient progress and care strategies.
• Respond promptly to patient needs and emergencies, utilizing de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Perform routine vital signs and reporting findings to nursing staff.

• Assist with administrative tasks as needed, such as filing, data entry, and patient record maintenance.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support comprehensive patient care.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients and families.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.

• Previous experience in a mental health setting, particularly with senior populations, is preferred.
• Basic understanding of mental health conditions and treatment modalities.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Secure certification required upon hire and maintained annually.

• College level courses in Psychology or related field preferred
• Associate's Degree preferred.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes:

• Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

• Exposure:
  • Chemicals:
    Refer to MSDS sheets
  • Video Display Terminals:
    Average
  • Blood and Body Fluids:
    Diagnostic composite of patients, frequent contact with intravenous devices, and high potential for contact with contaminated body fluids (blood, stool, vomitus) and administration of blood does create a high risk. use of needleless IV system, universal precautions and protective equipment minimize risk.
  • TB or Airborne Pathogens:
    Patient…