DSHS OHBH Mental Health Technician 3

Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration is seeking a highly motivated Mental Health Technician 3. You will experience the rewarding feeling of being alongside a dedicated team that shares your same passion for being committed to success.

The Mental Health Technician 3 (MHT 3) position supports safety and provides nursing care on a ward under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) to patients with acute psychiatric and physical illnesses and increased high risk behaviors. The MHT 3 position actively supports the hospital’s Vision, Philosophy, Mission and delivers care within the framework of the Recovery Model.

King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

The shift for this position is: Day shift 0630– 1900.

Week 1- Sunday, Wednesday Thursday. Days off-Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday.

• Supports safety and provides direct nursing care, including but not limited to, monitoring and therapeutically responding to patient’s behavior and reporting observations to RN staff.
• Completes documentation such as recording and maintaining records of patient’s condition (s) and activity including but not limited to vital signs, eating habits, behaviors, and response to therapeutic interventions.
• Communicates information to the RN regarding changes of condition and clinical information. Deliver care per treatment plan.
• Provides mentoring, orientation and training of administrative tasks to newly assigned staff to the ward/living unit.
• Implement all hospital, state, federal regulatory standards, policies and procedures. De-escalate patients.
• Escort and transport patients.
• Ensures adequate ward/unit supplies; completes supply inventories; rotates stock to prevent expiration of supplies.
• Assists patients with managing their personal property, valuables and funds.
• Completes equipment inventory, environmental rounds and work order for repairs and maintenance.
• Initiates and tracks completion of work orders on ward/living unit; informs contractors/maintenance staff of the issue and ensures their safety while on the ward/living unit.

What we're looking for:

• Must be able to communicate effectively with management, peers, patients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Ability to work with unpleasant or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
• Ability to work as a team member and to resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations.
• Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of mental illness and recovery principles.
• Demonstrate proficient operation of the following equipment: Computer, copy machine, metal detector, and patient lifting equipment.
• Demonstrates the principals of universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Demonstrate behavior which maintains and respects patient’s rights and promotes the patient’s independence.
• Knowledge of mental illness/recovery principles.
• Knowledge of group facilitation.
• In-depth working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics.

Who should apply?
High school diploma or GED

AND

Three years’ experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.

AND

A current unincumbered Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration, Nursing Assistant Certified

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contact peter.bonato@dshs.wa.gov or call (360) 725-5810 reference job number 01381.