Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $16.11 - $20.00
Benefits
Shift Differentials
competitive compensation
Professional Development
safety programs
educational resources
Multidisciplinary teamwork
Employee health protocols
Job Description
The University of New Mexico Hospitals (UNMH) Behavioral and Mental Health Department is a leading healthcare institution dedicated to providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient mental health services. Known for its commitment to high-quality patient care and innovative treatment approaches, UNMH serves a diverse patient population across various age groups, including neonates, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. The department emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, integrating medical, psychological, and educational resources to support recovery and wellness. UNMH’s Behavioral and Mental Health services include inpatient care, outpatient treatment, crisis response, community outreach, and educational programs designed to meet the unique needs of patients facing mental health challenges.
This particular position is for a Mental Health Technician working PRN with a 0.05 FTE in the inpatient geriatrics unit. The role is based on day shifts and offers shift differentials, including 17% for weekday nights, 26% for weekend nights, and 15% for weekend day shifts. Compensation is competitive and influenced by experience, education, and organizational factors. The Mental Health Technician plays a crucial part in delivering direct patient care within a therapeutic milieu, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and effective treatment outcomes. Responsibilities span patient monitoring, assisting with daily living activities, supporting therapeutic and educational activities, and participating in crisis intervention efforts. The technician also maintains detailed documentation using electronic medical records and adheres to confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines.
The role requires working in various settings such as inpatient units, residential care, as well as outreach environments like homes, schools, and community agencies. The technician collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate patient-centered care plans and treatment programs. Additional duties include patient transport, phlebotomy tasks as assigned, and active participation in safety protocols to manage behavioral crises. This position demands physical stamina given the heavy work nature requiring lifting and moving patients or objects, alongside exposure to potential hazards such as combative patient interactions and biohazardous materials, necessitating proper personal protective equipment.
Professional growth is encouraged through ongoing education, in-service trainings, and participation in quality assurance and safety programs. The Mental Health Technician is integral to fostering a safe and supportive environment that promotes recovery and holistic well-being for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. This opportunity is well-suited for motivated individuals committed to making a meaningful impact within a reputable healthcare system specializing in behavioral and mental health.
This particular position is for a Mental Health Technician working PRN with a 0.05 FTE in the inpatient geriatrics unit. The role is based on day shifts and offers shift differentials, including 17% for weekday nights, 26% for weekend nights, and 15% for weekend day shifts. Compensation is competitive and influenced by experience, education, and organizational factors. The Mental Health Technician plays a crucial part in delivering direct patient care within a therapeutic milieu, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and effective treatment outcomes. Responsibilities span patient monitoring, assisting with daily living activities, supporting therapeutic and educational activities, and participating in crisis intervention efforts. The technician also maintains detailed documentation using electronic medical records and adheres to confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines.
The role requires working in various settings such as inpatient units, residential care, as well as outreach environments like homes, schools, and community agencies. The technician collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate patient-centered care plans and treatment programs. Additional duties include patient transport, phlebotomy tasks as assigned, and active participation in safety protocols to manage behavioral crises. This position demands physical stamina given the heavy work nature requiring lifting and moving patients or objects, alongside exposure to potential hazards such as combative patient interactions and biohazardous materials, necessitating proper personal protective equipment.
Professional growth is encouraged through ongoing education, in-service trainings, and participation in quality assurance and safety programs. The Mental Health Technician is integral to fostering a safe and supportive environment that promotes recovery and holistic well-being for individuals experiencing mental health conditions. This opportunity is well-suited for motivated individuals committed to making a meaningful impact within a reputable healthcare system specializing in behavioral and mental health.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- six months directly related experience
- CPR for healthcare/BLS provider or professional rescuer within 30 days of hire
- obtain and maintain aggressive behavior certification within 30 days
- ability to exert 50 to 100 pounds occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds frequently, and 10 to 20 pounds constantly
- willing to work in environments with potential physical risks including combative patients and biohazardous materials requiring PPE
- tuberculosis testing completed upon hire and as required
- adhere to hospital and departmental policies and procedures
- maintain confidentiality according to HIPAA guidelines
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- related education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
- mental health technician certification within 6 months of hire
- 6 months directly related experience
- CPR for healthcare/BLS provider or professional rescuer certification within 30 days
- aggressive behavior certification within 30 days of hire
- bilingual skills in English, Spanish, or Native American languages considered a plus
Job Duties
- Provide care to patient in a manner that considers and promotes safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment
- provide education and training specific to individual patient needs, abilities, learning preferences and readiness
- chart observations and other required documentation on assigned patients, behaviors, following prescribed procedures and standards
- assist with the physical needs of patients, including taking manual vital signs, weights, and specimen collection as designated
- assist patients with activities of daily living and provide assistance and coordination in crisis intervention
- participate in the development, coordination and implementation of patient treatment programs
- maintain confidentiality of patient records, adhering to HIPAA guidelines
- act as liaison with other departments, staff and patients
- transport patients to and from appointments, clinics, laboratories, and treatments
- lead milieu activities such as activities of daily living, current events, goals and fitness groups
- attend and participate in group sessions, in-service education, and staff meetings
- process patient admission and registration
- demonstrate proficiency in utilizing computer and information systems
- perform phlebotomy duties as assigned
- participate as a member of the Crisis Response Team responding to psychiatric crises
- assist patients to regain behavior control and apply restraints as needed
- perform other duties as assigned
- follow and maintain departmental policies, quality assurance, safety, and infection control standards
- enhance professional growth through education and workshops
- follow patient safety-related policies and protocols
- demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety
- identify and report environmental risks
- report potential or actual patient safety concerns
- encourage patients to participate actively in their own care
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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