Mental Health Technician MHT

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Permian Basin, healing is our focus. We are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long‑term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage (Multiple Plan Options) – Eligible first of the month after 30 days.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Discretionary Company Match.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Daily Pay.
• Paid Time Off.
• Competitive Market Compensation.
• Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supports the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the BHT's training and experience. The BHT will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures and performance improvement standards.

• Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures and abide by federal, state and local requirements, as well as Joint Commission standards.
• Effectively apply supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior. Demonstrate the ability to employ de‑escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Inventories patient belongings accurately and secure contraband as needed; complete unit safety checks.
• Comply with standard/universal precautions and infection control policies and attend required in‑services to keep self‑informed.
• Implement patient care activities under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing personnel; perform vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, nutritional monitoring and communicate findings to the nurse. Ensure patients or residents receive appropriate diet by reviewing their dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences.
• Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions and maintaining belongings; assist at‑risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs as needed.
• Individualize all patient care activities to the age‑specific, disability, cultural‑specific needs of the patient.
• Communicate and document patient observation and date effectively in the patient record; document patient’s departure from unit (i.e. for passes, transport to doctor’s appointment, community meetings) with 100% accuracy and within defined time lines; document significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and patient observation findings on assigned patients as requested by the registered nurse, with 100% accuracy and within defined time lines.
• Communicate outcome of assigned tasks to nursing staff in a timely manner; communicate follow‑up on patient care responsibilities, incomplete assignments, ongoing activities and current patient needs to relevant staff to assure continuity of care.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

High school graduate or equivalent with CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting is required.

• Must be able to read, write and follow verbal and written instruction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must work well with diverse populations.
• Must utilize age, disability and cultural specific knowledge in working with specialized populations to best communicate with those clients.
• Must be in good physical and mental health as evidenced by a warm empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, worth and potentiality of clients and hold a high sense of personal integrity.
• Must be able to work under close supervision.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans approved behavioral de‑escalation program.