Mental Health Tech/Asst

At Houston Methodist, the Mental Health Technician/Assistant (MHT/Asst) position demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively and carry out delegated tasks for population-specific patients. This position functions under the guidance and supervision of the registered nurse in meeting the physiological and psychosocial needs of the patient. The MHT/Asst position records data and performs treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures and reports observations and patient problems to the nurse and utilizes therapeutic communication techniques.

Overseeing multiple priorities, the MHT/Asst position must be able to perform the duties and functions of a Unit Administrative Assistant position and/or Patient Care Assistant position. This position may involve travel to conduct home visits. Other duties for the MHT/Asst position include serving as a mentor to MHT's, utilizing skills and knowledge, helping to train and orient others.

 FLSA STATUS Non-exempt QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) EXPERIENCE • Must have one of the following: ◦ If certified as a CNA or CMA, then minimum two (2) years acute care hospital experience.

◦ If not certified, then minimum three (3) years Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant experience or two years of secretarial/office or college/vocational training. Three (3) years of experience as a Mental Health Technician in a psychiatric/substance abuse setting with specialized training and previous experience in crisis intervention and prevention in a hospital setting LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Required BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and NVCRISIS - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention or Instructor (CPI) - Crisis Prevention Institute Preferred CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant - State Licensure or CMA - National Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) or CMA - National Certified Medical Assistant (NAHP) or CMA - National Certified Medical Assistant (NCCT) or CMA - National Certified Medical Assistant (NHA) SKILLS AND ABILITIES Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles Demonstrates knowledge/skill in group facilitation Demonstrates solid knowledge of court processes for detaining patients Displays strong time management skills Demonstrates ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system to support the department and interprofessional health care team as appropriate Demonstrates knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database Possesses basic computer knowledge.

Operates multiple computer systems including electronic health records, i.e., Epic, and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, & Excel) to maintain patient information ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Interacts with peers, staff and visitors in a supportive and respectful manner. Encourages open communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional.

Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner, facilitating treatment goals for the patient. Demonstrates teamwork by responding positively to requests