Senior Care Unit Mental Health Technician (MHT/CNA)

About the role

Appling Healthcare is hiring a Mental Health Technician (MHT/CNA) for its Senior Care Unit in Baxley. Mental Health Technicians provide patient care that promotes safety, comfort and a therapeutic environment, helping patients with daily living needs, attending to behavioural issues and observing patients for changes in condition. The shift is 7pm to 7am.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and run specialty groups and health teaching groups, and document patient progress during unprogrammed time, especially weekends
• Maintain professional boundaries with patients and report boundary violations to the supervisor
• Keep accurate clinical documentation and help colleagues improve their documentation skills
• Observe, record and report on patients who need special precautions, and complete observation logs
• De-escalate crises and dangerous situations, including using time-outs, locked seclusion or restraints
• Lead a crisis team within the unit and give direction on policies for resolution
• Perform technical nursing care under a licensed nurse, such as collecting and storing specimens, weighing patients and taking vital signs
• Help keep the unit safe and clean, and assist with patient admissions, transfers and discharges
• Search patients' belongings for contraband and facilitate family visits in an orderly way
• Take part in staff meetings, support staff morale and act as a preceptor for new MHTs

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not required; an Associate's degree or training in psychology or a related field preferred but not required
• Previous experience as a Mental Health Technician in a long-term care facility preferred but not required
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English, spoken and written; additional languages preferred

Required skills

• BLS certification (must be obtained within 90 days of hire)
• CPI certification (must be obtained within 90 days of hire)