Mental Health Technician; MHT

At Ascent Behavioral Hospital, we provide compassionate care, helping adolescents navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in a supportive and safe environment. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to adolescents who require our services. We uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, and excellence while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and safety.

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) is an essential member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, providing direct supervision and therapeutic support to adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric setting. The MHT is responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and trauma-informed milieu. This role involves continuous patient observation, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), facilitating therapeutic groups, and utilizing de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.

• Safety & Supervision:
  Maintain constant visual observation of patients. Conduct and document safety checks (e.g., 15-minute rounds) and 1:1 observations with 100% accuracy, adhering to hospital policy and safety standards.
• Milieu Management:
  Facilitate a structured therapeutic environment. Lead or assist in psycho educational groups, recreational activities, and daily community meetings to promote patient engagement and growth.
• Crisis Intervention & De-escalation:
  Utilize approved crisis intervention techniques (e.g., Mandt) to manage aggressive, self-harming, or escalating behaviors. Act as a first responder in emergent situations, prioritizing the least restrictive intervention.
• Behavioral Documentation:
  Provide accurate, objective, and timely documentation of patient behavior, interactions, and response to treatment in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
  Assist and prompt patients with personal hygiene, room cleanliness, and nutritional needs, ensuring a high standard of care and dignity.
• Interdisciplinary
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Participate in shift hand-off reports and daily observation notes used by the treatment team. Communicate significant changes in patient status or environmental risks immediately to the RN or Charge Nurse.
• Patient Rights & Confidentiality (HIPAA):
  Maintain strict patient confidentiality and advocate for patient rights in accordance with Utah Admin Code and federal law.
• Environment of Care:
  Assist in maintaining a clean, ligature-resistant, and hazard-free environment. Perform searches of patients and belongings for contraband as directed.

Required:

• Experience:
  
  Demonstrated ability to manage stressful situations with professionalism, empathy, and strong boundaries.
• Certifications:
  
  Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Regulatory:
  Must pass a federal and Utah Department of Health & Human Services background check and drug screening.

Preferred:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related behavioral health field.
• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience:
  
  Previous experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting or working with at-risk adolescents.
• Certification:
  Current certification in a crisis prevention/de-escalation program (e.g., CPI, MANDT).
• Additional
  
  Certifications:
  
  EMT or CNA.
• Language:
  Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods and move quickly in response to emergencies.
• Ability to perform physical de-escalation techniques and restraints as trained and required for safety.
• Must be able to lift to 50 pounds.

• Opportunity to make…