State of Washington Classified Job Specification
MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN 3
Definition
Within a psychiatric treatment facility, on a 24-hour basis for a designated treatment area, coordinates the non-clinical ward activities for one or more wards and actively participates in personal care services and therapeutic approaches for mentally ill patients.
Typical Work
Counsels non-licensed personnel in improving job performance and in understanding hospital policies and procedures relating to patient care units and patient behavior;
Responsible for managing and coordinating the safety and security of patients' personal possessions; designated ward fire marshal and ward safety coordinator; responsible for patients and ward mail collection and distribution; coordinates the designation of patient room assignments; manages ward supplies, linen control and inventory, and ward forms;
Monitors policy updates and communicates revisions;
Provides care to assigned patients utilizing the current treatment plan;
Attends to the general care of patients, provides for their emotional and physical comfort and safety and maintains an attractive and comfortable environment; gives assistance and guidance in cleanliness, grooming, rest, activities and nourishment;
Prepares and cares for patients receiving specialized treatments administered by the physician or the professional nurse; performs selected nursing procedures;
Encourages, assists and supervises patients in group or individual recreational, social or related activities;
Observes, records, and reports the general condition of patient;
Promotes better understanding of hospital policies in contact with patients' relatives;
Participates in in-service education program;
Assists the Mental Health Technician 5 in coordinating patient appointments;
Performs other related work as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Ability to: use skill in inter-personal relations; apply basic nursing principles; learn skills necessary in caring for psychiatric patients; treat individuals with respect, kindness and consideration; secure patient cooperation and confidence; follow written and oral instructions.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable Qualifications
High school graduation or GED.
AND
Three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
Registration as a nursing assistant is required.
Class Specification History
New class: 5-28-86
Code change (formerly 3884): 11-14-86
Title change (formerly Mental Health Technician 3A): 5-15-92
Revise minimum qualifications: 4-21-00
New class code: (formerly 56690) effective July 1, 2007
(08/14/2008) General revision in typical work, reflecting current job title.
Salary adjustment and revisions to the definition: adopted June 30, 2017 effective July 1, 2017.