Mental Health Technician - Acute Psychiatric Adult

Company: CHRISTUS Health
Location: Lake Charles
Posted on: June 16, 2026

Job Description:

Description Summary: Performs clinical duties as delegated by RN and within the scope of this job description and training. Responsibilities: Behavioral Expectations: Genesis modules completed by assigned date. Fulfill Goal requirements. Attend majority of mandatory meetings throughout the year, including, but not limited to staff meetings and direct connects. Job Specific Activities: Standard I: Associate demonstrates competence in the performance of duties and responsibilities related to the application of Christus St. Patrick Hospital's Core Values:Dignity/Integrity:Maintains confidentiality of information as required Conducts and presents self in a professional manner Respects the culture and ethnic heritage of others Demonstrated honesty consistently in all relationships Follows the Christus Health Guidelines related to Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) Excellence:Accepts constructive criticism and modifies actions accordingly Seeks opportunity for professional and personal growth Actively seeks ways to improve level of performance/service Stewardship:Flexible and adaptive to changes in work processes and functions Support department objectives and the Strategic Plan of the hospital Uses resources/assets in a cost effective manner Notifies appropriate personnel of facility's needs or issues Compassion:Assists others in completing tasks or duties effectively Responds to needs/requests of others in a caring and timely manner Open to different ideas and alternatives to solutions Standard II. Patient Safety and Security:Maintains continuous alertness and response to patient safety issues and participates in maintaining a safe and secure patient care environment:Uses patient identifiers as defined by policy Makes rounds to assure patient safety and satisfaction Maintains falls precautions Performs complete hand-off communication clearly and effectively Provides emergency assistance within the defined role Maintains a hazard-free work environment Maintains unit security Participates in emergency and disaster plans Complies with regulatory agency guidelines/rules Standard III. Regulatory Compliance, Confidentiality and Patient Rights:Adheres to Christus policies and procedures and the standards of DNV, OSHA, DHH, HIPAA, etc:Maintains infection control standards by using proper isolation techniques, handwashing and standard precautions Provides privacy and maintenance of confidentiality Promotes patients right to make personal choices to accommodate their needs and be free from abuse, mistreatment and neglect, reporting any instances of maltreatment to appropriate personnel Gives assistance in resolving grievances and disputes Provides needed assistance in getting to and participating in patient and family meetings and other activities Maintains care and security of patient's personal possessions Works with nursing staff to reduce need for restraints Screens telephone calls and visitor requests to protect patient confidentiality Restricts access to patient information (e.g., charts, computers, etc.) Demonstrates knowledge of informed consent Recognizes age, diversity specific needs/issues of customers served Standard IV. Communication:Communicates with patient/family/staff members in ways that demonstrate:Responsiveness to verbal and behavioral patient communication Awareness of age-specific needs and developmental tasks Sensitivity and openness for allowing the patient to make personal choices Reinforcement of the patient plan of care and education goals, e.g. use of incentive spirometer, frequent ambulation, NPO status, etc. The ability to involve the patient/family as a source of emotional support Communicates with team members demonstrating:Prompt reporting of changes in patient condition Timely awareness & reporting of clinical and equipment alarms Appropriate access to the chain-of-command Collaboration with the multidisciplinary team Proper telephone etiquette Performs communication using various technology applications:Communicates with patients and staff via intercom Standards V. Professional Development:Maintains responsibility for learning needs and remains current on all aspects of the nursing assistant role:Attends inservices, department, staff or other required meetings Reviews facility specific publications, memos, policies and other job related publications Standard VI. Patient Care Tasks:Performs basic nursing skills competently and in accordance with Christus policies and procedures following initial competence validation:Taking, recording and reporting vital signs Taking, recording and reporting other clinical measurements such as pulse oximetry. Measuring, recording and reporting height/weight, nutritional and fluid intake/output Recognizing and reporting abnormal changes in body functioning Care of catheters, colostomies and ileostomies within scope of practice Specimen collection and delivery Using appropriate moving and lifting techniques and equipment Caring for the dying patient including post-mortem care Performs patient care skills needed to assure patient comfort and safety:Bathing, grooming (mouth care, shaving, hair care) and dressing Toileting, walking and skin care Tray distribution and assisting with eating (proper feeding techniques and aspiration precautions) and hydration Transferring, positioning, turning and encouraging range of motion Recording patient care activities Assisting with transporting patients Assisting with admission, transfer and/or discharge processes including securing assistive devices and personal effects Performs delegated tasks Participates in care of the patient environment and equipment:Maintains cleanliness of room and bedside area Replenishes water, linen, towels, etc. Standard VII. Business Literacy:Ensures effective use of supplies Requirements: Education/Skills High School Diploma required Experience 1 year of mental health technician experience preferred. Licenses, Registrations or Certifications BLS required. Current de-escalation training or completion within 90 days of employment with annual recertification. Work Schedule: 7PM - 7AM Work Type: Part Time

Keywords: CHRISTUS Health, Lafayette , Mental Health Technician - Acute Psychiatric Adult, Healthcare , Lake Charles, Louisiana