Mental Health Tech

Overview

First Health of the Carolinas is a nationally recognized health care system located in central North Carolina. Comprised of four hospitals with more than 600 beds, the system also offers leading-edge heart care in the Reid Heart Center, the area’s only dedicated heart and vascular center. Our growing health system has more than 6,200 employees serving in more than 75 locations throughout a 15-county service area.

In addition, First Health has received numerous accolades for its patient care and outcomes, including recognitions from Health grades, U.S. News & World Report, and Becker's Healthcare.

A Mental Health Technician (MHT) performs selected patient care activities under the supervision of the Program Director and/or Nurse Manager. Primary duties include observing and recording patient information pertinent to the treatment plan and reporting this information to the Staff Registered Nurse. This position is also responsible for escorting and monitoring patient activities and attending to their personal needs. The MHT is responsible for assisting with care for the behavioral health patients under the direction of the Charge Nurse/Clinical Nurse Leader.

Mental Health Tech Responsibilites

• Attend to patient personal needs (oral hygiene, toileting, bathing, dressing, transferring, etc.) as required.
• Restore and promote patient’s health by completing the nursing process.
• Conducts activities in accordance with patient diagnosis and needs.
• Escort and monitor patients during admissions, transfers and discharges; and provide line-of-sight orone-to-one support to patients as ordered by the provider.
• Check and document luggage and personal belongings upon admission; maintain patient property list.
• Regularly observe and record patients’ behaviors, temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure andweight.
• Complete and document 15 minute (or less) visual checks on patients.
• Coordinate and supervise therapeutic activities for individual patients and for groups in accordance with patient care treatment plans.
• Per RN direction, and using approved methods, assist in safely placing patients in seclusion or restraints;observe suicide/seclusion precautions.
• Attend to patient personal needs (oral hygiene, toileting, bathing, dressing, transferring, etc.) as required.

Mental Health Tech Qualifications

• Associate degree in a Health Care related field required.
• One year of Behavioral Health experience preferred.
• BLS (Upon hire)
• Crisis Intervention Certifications – Levels 1,2 and 3 (within 90 days of hire)

Working Conditions:

• Works in close contact with patients who have moderate to severe psychiatric concerns and/or behavioral issues.
• Possibility of exposure to violent behavior from patients and/or behavioral issues as part of daily duties.
• Displays ability for standing for long periods, walking, lifting, bending, and stooping for much of the workday.