Mental Health Technician

Mental Health Tech (3 x 12-Hour Shifts) – Day or Night Shift

Texas Behavioral Health Center

Join our team and help launch the first state psychiatric hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth, where innovative caregivers will make a lasting impact on behavioral health in Texas.
 

The Texas Behavioral Health Center is a newly completed state-funded psychiatric hospital opening in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District that is owned by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and operated by UT Southwestern Medical Center.
 

When fully operational, the 505,000-square-foot facility will house 292 beds – 200 for adult patients and 92 for children and adolescents. As DFW’s first state-funded behavioral health hospital, it is designed to deliver state-of-the-art, patient-centered care in a modern and healing environment. The center provides comprehensive behavioral health treatment and features private patient rooms, abundant access to natural light and nature, and thoughtfully designed spaces that promote recovery. The hospital will also provide training to all behavioral health disciplines.
 

As employees of UT Southwestern, team members will join a world-class academic medical center committed to patient-centered care, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing patients for successful reintegration into their families and communities. With competitive benefits and a mission-driven culture, Texas Behavioral Health Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on mental health care in North Texas.
 

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 

JOB SUMMARY
Works under supervision. 

 

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include\:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage

• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay

• Paid Time Off, available day one

• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

• Paid Parental Leave Benefit

• Wellness programs

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

Education and Experience
Required
• Education
High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Licenses and Certifications
(BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red 
Cross (ARC) is required, and
(CPI) CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUT CER - training must be completed within 30 days of hire date 

Preferred
• Experience
1 year of acute care inpatient hospital experience, or
Certified Nurses Aide certification with training from an accredited training program, or
Training from an accredited Mental Health Technician program, or
Completed first semester of Nursing Clinicals from an accredited program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
• Must be able to read, write and communicate in English. 
• Assumes accountabilities for all actions in the workplace. Reports errors promptly. 
• Orients new staff and students to work areas. Collaborates with other nursing staff and hospital employees 
to create an environment that is conducive to the retention of qualified personnel.

• Attends at least 80% of scheduled staff meetings and 100% of mandatory educational sessions. 
• Utilizes downtime to assist others and/or to provide additional amenities to patients and/or patients' 
families. 
• Extended walking and standing daily, frequently carrying up to 40 lbs., ability to grasp, requires corrected 
vision and hearing to normal range, full range of motion to include restraining patients to protect them from 
harm to themselves or others; ability to turn and assist patients with ADL's. Principle Job values\: 
Communication, Managing Work, Stress Tolerance, Quality Orientation, Technical/Professional skills and 
Knowledge. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
• Physical Demands
Bending/Leaning Over 
Carrying 
Climbing 
Crawling 
Crouching/Kneeling/Stooping 
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination 
Feeling 
Grasping 
Handling 
Hearing 
Kneeling 
Lifting 
Pulling 
Pushing 
Reaching 
Repetitive Motions 
Standing 
Stooping 
Talking 
Walking 
• Working Conditions
Clinical Setting
Hospital Setting
May be exposed to body fluids and infectious diseases

JOB DUTIES

Collects data to include\: Intake and output, weight, temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. Performs skin assessments. Recognizes and immediately reports values outside normal parameters to the nurse. Demonstrates awareness of age-specific considerations in gathering these assessments (children, adolescents, adults, older adults). Performs sterile procedures in accordance with the Department of Nursing and Infection Control Policies and Procedures to include sterile gloves, dressing changes and in/out catheterization. Assists in facilitating treatment milieu. Participates in codes to protect the patient from harming self or others.

Reports any changes in a patient's condition or behavior immediately to the nurse. Seeks assistance and guidance as needed to ensure that patient care is delivered in a safe, high quality and effective manner at all times. Monitors patient sharps and valuables and labels-handles appropriately. Conducts walking/exercise and community groups.

Responds to patient requests for assistance in a respectful, positive and timely manner. Asks the patient and/or patient's family, "Can I do anything else for you" before leaving the room.

Performs basic hygiene care in accordance with the Department of Nursing Policies and Procedures. Checks skin carefully during the bath, reports anything other than normal immediately to the nurse.

Makes frequent and ongoing patient rounds to comfort, position, and to provide toileting and hygiene care. Lets the patient know when you will return. Patient rarely finds it necessary to use the call light.

Documents patient information accurately and in appropriate place in a timely manner.

Transfers, and transports patients safely and in accordance with the Department of Nursing Policies and Procedures, with concern for age-specific considerations. Ensures that patient is covered with robe and/or blankets and that slippers are on feet (even if Transporter is taking patient).

Welcomes new patient/patient's family. Knocks before entering room. Smiles and introduces self. Wears name tag. Immediately alerts nurse if patient/patient's family seems or is unhappy and you have not resolved the issue.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
 

Mental Health Tech (3 x 12-Hour Shifts) – Day or Night Shift

Texas Behavioral Health Center

Join our team and help launch the first state psychiatric hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth, where innovative caregivers will make a lasting impact on behavioral health in Texas.
 

The Texas Behavioral Health Center is a newly completed state-funded psychiatric hospital opening in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District that is owned by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and operated by UT Southwestern Medical Center.
 

When fully operational, the 505,000-square-foot facility will house 292 beds – 200 for adult patients and 92 for children and adolescents. As DFW’s first state-funded behavioral health hospital, it is designed to deliver state-of-the-art, patient-centered care in a modern and healing environment. The center provides comprehensive behavioral health treatment and features private patient rooms, abundant access to natural light and nature, and thoughtfully designed spaces that promote recovery. The hospital will also provide training to all behavioral health disciplines.
 

As employees of UT Southwestern, team members will join a world-class academic medical center committed to patient-centered care, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing patients for successful reintegration into their families and communities. With competitive benefits and a mission-driven culture, Texas Behavioral Health Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on mental health care in North Texas.
 

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 

JOB SUMMARY
Works under supervision. 

 

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include\:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage

• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay

• Paid Time Off, available day one

• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

• Paid Parental Leave Benefit

• Wellness programs

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

Education and Experience
Required
• Education
High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Licenses and Certifications
(BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red 
Cross (ARC) is required, and
(CPI) CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUT CER - training must be completed within 30 days of hire date 

Preferred
• Experience
1 year of acute care inpatient hospital experience, or
Certified Nurses Aide certification with training from an accredited training program, or
Training from an accredited Mental Health Technician program, or
Completed first semester of Nursing Clinicals from an accredited program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
• Must be able to read, write and communicate in English. 
• Assumes accountabilities for all actions in the workplace. Reports errors promptly. 
• Orients new staff and students to work areas. Collaborates with other nursing staff and hospital employees 
to create an environment that is conducive to the retention of qualified personnel.

• Attends at least 80% of scheduled staff meetings and 100% of mandatory educational sessions. 
• Utilizes downtime to assist others and/or to provide additional amenities to patients and/or patients' 
families. 
• Extended walking and standing daily, frequently carrying up to 40 lbs., ability to grasp, requires corrected 
vision and hearing to normal range, full range of motion to include restraining patients to protect them from 
harm to themselves or others; ability to turn and assist patients with ADL's. Principle Job values\: 
Communication, Managing Work, Stress Tolerance, Quality Orientation, Technical/Professional skills and 
Knowledge. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
• Physical Demands
Bending/Leaning Over 
Carrying 
Climbing 
Crawling 
Crouching/Kneeling/Stooping 
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination 
Feeling 
Grasping 
Handling 
Hearing 
Kneeling 
Lifting 
Pulling 
Pushing 
Reaching 
Repetitive Motions 
Standing 
Stooping 
Talking 
Walking 
• Working Conditions
Clinical Setting
Hospital Setting
May be exposed to body fluids and infectious diseases

JOB DUTIES

Collects data to include\: Intake and output, weight, temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. Performs skin assessments. Recognizes and immediately reports values outside normal parameters to the nurse. Demonstrates awareness of age-specific considerations in gathering these assessments (children, adolescents, adults, older adults). Performs sterile procedures in accordance with the Department of Nursing and Infection Control Policies and Procedures to include sterile gloves, dressing changes and in/out catheterization. Assists in facilitating treatment milieu. Participates in codes to protect the patient from harming self or others.

Reports any changes in a patient's condition or behavior immediately to the nurse. Seeks assistance and guidance as needed to ensure that patient care is delivered in a safe, high quality and effective manner at all times. Monitors patient sharps and valuables and labels-handles appropriately. Conducts walking/exercise and community groups.

Responds to patient requests for assistance in a respectful, positive and timely manner. Asks the patient and/or patient's family, "Can I do anything else for you" before leaving the room.

Performs basic hygiene care in accordance with the Department of Nursing Policies and Procedures. Checks skin carefully during the bath, reports anything other than normal immediately to the nurse.

Makes frequent and ongoing patient rounds to comfort, position, and to provide toileting and hygiene care. Lets the patient know when you will return. Patient rarely finds it necessary to use the call light.

Documents patient information accurately and in appropriate place in a timely manner.

Transfers, and transports patients safely and in accordance with the Department of Nursing Policies and Procedures, with concern for age-specific considerations. Ensures that patient is covered with robe and/or blankets and that slippers are on feet (even if Transporter is taking patient).

Welcomes new patient/patient's family. Knocks before entering room. Smiles and introduces self. Wears name tag. Immediately alerts nurse if patient/patient's family seems or is unhappy and you have not resolved the issue.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.