What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Technician (MHST) position at Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Ferriday?
The Mental Health Technician (MHST) plays a vital role as part of the nursing team in providing direct care to psychiatric patients, ensuring their safety and well-being in a supportive, secure, and therapeutic environment. The MHST assists with daily care routines, supports patients in their activities of daily living, and works closely with the clinical team to monitor and meet the needs of adult male psychiatric patients. This role is essential in providing compassionate, quality care and ensuring the safety of patients while adhering to regulatory standards such as those established by the Joint Commission and CMS.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Direct Patient Care: Assist patients with daily living activities (e.g., hygiene, eating, dressing) to ensure they are comfortable and their physical and emotional needs are met.
- Safety and Observation: Observe patient behaviors and interactions, reporting changes or concerns to nursing staff. Maintain a safe environment by adhering to safety protocols, and report any unusual or potentially dangerous behaviors to the clinical team immediately.
- Therapeutic Support: Support a therapeutic environment by engaging patients in activities that promote recovery, providing emotional support, and assisting with coping strategies as directed by the nursing team.
- Collaboration with Clinical Staff: Work closely with licensed nursing staff to implement patient care plans. Assist with medication reminders, monitoring vital signs, and other supportive tasks as directed.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting patient behavior, activities, and interactions according to facility policies and regulatory standards. Ensure all documentation is compliant with Joint Commission and CMS guidelines.
- Patient Advocacy: Ensure that the dignity, privacy, and rights of patients are respected. Promote a compassionate and non-judgmental environment, advocating for the needs of the patients and ensuring their voices are heard in their care process.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Additional education or certifications in mental health or healthcare is a plus.
Experience:
- Previous experience in a healthcare setting, particularly working with psychiatric patients, is preferred.
- Experience as a nursing assistant, psychiatric aide, or similar role in a psychiatric facility or hospital setting is highly desired.
- Experience working with adult male psychiatric patients or in a behavioral health unit is a plus.
Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of basic patient care techniques, including assisting with daily activities and monitoring vital signs.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with patients and staff.
- Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient behavior or condition.
- Effective communication skills to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to follow facility policies and procedures while ensuring compliance with Joint Commission and CMS regulations.
- Basic knowledge of mental health conditions and treatment modalities is beneficial.
Why Join Our Team?
Freedom Behavioral is committed to providing excellent mental health care and creating a positive work environment for our employees. We offer opportunities for growth, training, and development to ensure our team members are equipped with the skills needed to deliver high-quality care. If you're passionate about mental health and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply today!
