Psychiatric Technician - PATH

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) The PATH Psychiatric Technician works under the supervision of a Consumer Services Team Lead or
designee to provide direct care services to consumers who meet criteria for the Projects for
Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) to promote and encourage entry of eligible
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and/or
substance use. These tasks include but are not limited to transport, providing support services to
LVN, Nurse Practitioner, and/or Psychiatrist (i.e., vitals), medication pick-up, other duties as
assigned.
This position requires the use of an agency vehicle, and flexible hours.

What you will do:

• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment, including conducting regular rounds and patient and property searches so patients can focus on managing their illnesses and disabilities to promote healing.
• Aid in basic patient care such as eating, bathing, dressing, and teaching and encouraging basic hygiene while observing patient progress to identify the need for additional services or changes in current treatment.
• Provide behavioral emergency assistance, such as patient restraint using approved agency curriculum or basic first aid when needed, as well as recognize and report homicidal or suicidal behaviors.
• Monitor and document behavior of patients in seclusion or on precautions.
• Performs duties (e.g. vital signs, specimen collection, etc.) as delegated by nursing personnel or assigned by a physician.
• Utilize Standard Precautions appropriately to prevent the spread of infection.

What qualifications you will need:

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• 1 year of direct care experience in psychiatric or behavioral healthcare environment preferred.
• Understanding of Standard Precautions and Infection Control Procedures.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply Handle with Care Crisis Intervention Techniques (HWC III).
• Ability to coordinate patient care with treatment team.

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching – a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What else you should know:

#9941 Shift: M-F, 7:00am - 4:00pm

This position is located at 2627 Caroline Street Houston, Texas 77004

Transportation: This position requires driving of Agency vehicle.

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provided care to over 96,000 people in fiscal year 2023!

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.