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.

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.

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.

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.

High school graduation or GED. 

AND

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

Registration as a nursing assistant is required.

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.