Within a psychiatric treatment facility, provides personal care services and general therapeutic procedures for mentally ill patients and is the assistant to the Mental Health Technician 3. These positions are limited to one per ward.

Counsels non-licensed personnel to patient care units and patient behavior;

Responsible for patient inventory, mail distribution and collection, and ward safety coordinator; responsible for security of patient belongings;

Implements and documents treatment strategies as outlined in the patient treatment plan; observes, records and reports patient symptoms and reactions;

Participates in providing a therapeutic environment through recognition of patient behavior and guidance toward more rational behavior;

Provides for patient safety and comfort through attention to general health and assistance and guidance in cleanliness, grooming, rest, activity and nourishment;

Responsible for initiating work orders relating to physical plant;

Maintains an attractive and comfortable ward environment; participates in housekeeping activities; acts as patient escort;

Encourages, assists and supervises patients in group or individual recreational, social and related activities;

Management of ward supplies;

Promotes better understanding of hospital policies in contacts with patients' relatives;

Escorts patients to appointments and activities;

Participates in in-service education program;

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

Two years' experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting. 

Registration as a nursing assistant is required.

New class:  5-28-86

Class code change (formerly 3882):  11-14-86

Revised definition:  11-13-87

Title change (formerly Mental Health Technician 2A):  5-15-92

Revise minimum qualifications:  4-20-00

New class code:  (formerly  56670)  effective July 1, 2007

(11/26/2008) Revised definition (formerly referenced as Mental Health Technician 3A);
adopted 11/13/2008, effective 11/14/2008.

Salary adjustment and revisions to the definition: adopted June 30, 2017 effective July 1, 2017.