Mental Health Technician (MHT)

Job Summary: Responsible for supervision and milieu management as directed by the Directors, Nurses, and Shift Supervisor. Provides supervision to clients at all times. Assists with and/or provides selected group activities while promoting a positive, reinforcing environment for children and/or adults served in the program. Maintains all records and ensures all equipment on the unit is in working order.

Essential Functions: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.

Admission Process: Completes body check along with shower (to adhere to agency policy and procedure) within 20 minutes of admission. Informs nurse if problems occur. Removes jewelry and clothing. Body check documentation must include two staff follow proper bed bug prevention procedures.

Admission Documentation: Demonstrates proficiency in paperwork/electronic procedures related to admission, including admission logs. Assists with and completes accurate and complete program assessments on clients at the time of admission. If unable to complete at the time of admission, communicates to the next shift that the assessment was not completed and needs to be attempted again. Ensures the program assessment has a legible signature and date of completion. Demonstrates the ability to prepare charts properly according to policy.

Observ Smart and Beacon Monitoring: Ensures that during the admission process, the client is entered into Observ Smart and receives a beacon. Educates the client on the purpose of the beacon. Completes 15-minute visual checks in close proximity to the client (NOT SITTING AT THE DESK) to obtain an accurate reading and prevent forced entries. Observes breathing and documents observations on iPads and, when necessary, on paper observation flows for clients in their bedrooms. Ensures clients wear required BEACONS throughout the shift. Utilizes vital signs, community meetings, and/or goals groups as opportunities to verify beacon use.

Client Care: Completes assigned staff duties and initials completed assignments prior to the end of the shift. Monitors clients with activities of daily living. Assures clients have showered, brushed teeth, dressed appropriately, combed hair, and attended to personal hygiene. Assists clients who are unable to complete their own care.

Discharge Process: Notifies inventory personnel of upcoming discharges. Verifies that all client belongings and medications have been collected and are prepared for discharge. Completes the discharge checklist and discharge log. Deletes the client from the iPad, removes the client from the census, and disassembles the chart. REMOVES THE BEACON PRIOR TO THE CLIENT LEAVING THE UNIT.Removes linens, cleans, and sanitizes the room with an approved germicidal agent immediately after discharge.

Unit Safety: Conducts a unit safety check each shift, including inspection of bedrooms, bathrooms, day rooms, restraint rooms, and outside areas. Ensures the environment is safe and free from contraband or weapons. Documents results on the approved unit safety form. Signs completed forms and obtains nurse review and completed forms in the assigned notebook. Reports all issues and/or concerns to the supervisor. Electronic Device Restrictions Adheres to agency restrictions regarding no personal use of Eleos computers and personal electronic devices on the unit. No cell phones No DVD players No earbuds No personal use of iPadsGroup Activities and Programming Monitors client safety and participation during activities. Leads groups and activities, including community meetings, goals groups, and structured activities. Facilitates scheduled unit activities in a timely manner. Redirects clients appropriately and respectfully.

Dietary Responsibilities: Reviews, updates, and submits the dietary sheet to the nurse for review and signature each shift. Ensures dietary forms are submitted to the kitchen one hour prior to mealtime.

Housekeeping and Infection Control: Keeps the unit clean and organized. Immediately cleans biohazardous materials, spills, and body fluids using approved germicidal agents. Practices universal precautions at all times during direct consumer care and while cleaning bodily fluid spills.

Behavioral Support: Reinforces positive client behavior through verbal praise and other positive, age-appropriate interventions. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries.

Communication: Communicates effectively with the charge nurse regarding concerns involving clients or co-workers.

Client Supervision: Observes and supervises clients during scheduled group activities.

Technical Healthcare Duties: Performs technical healthcare assignments such as obtaining temperatures, blood pressures, pulses, and weights at admission and other assigned intervals. Completes duties as indicated by program or agency policy or as directed by the charge nurse.

Seclusion and Restraint Procedures: Follows nurse direction regarding the initiation of seclusion, restraint, or brief isolation using NAPPI techniques. Monitors clients continuously during seclusion and/or restraints to ensure safety and comfort.

Emergency Response: Responds to agency codes according to code team assignment.

Documentation Requirements: Completes all required paperwork by the end of the shift. Completes incident reports in RL6 when a witness or participant to an incident. Completes seclusion and restraint logs. Completes shift reports. Completes unit safety checklists. Signs off on all completed tasks on the assignment sheet.

NAPPI Application: Demonstrates sound knowledge and application of techniques and principles taught in NAPPI.Utilizes positive verbal skills at all times when interacting with clients, staff, and others.

Visitor Management: Greets visitors and ensures they are authorized to visit clients. Permits visitor access within a reasonable timeframe. Monitors visitation and client interactions. Follows agency protocol regarding food and drink items brought by visitors. Refers visitors to the RN or discharge planner when additional information is requested.

Staffing Coverage: Understands that agency policy may require providing coverage on all units. May be required to float to other units and work mandatory overtime.

Other Duties: Completes other duties as required by program or agency needs.