Mental Health Technician

Founded in 1955, Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care, nonprofit community hospital located in Northridge, California. The hospital offers a full complement of award winning services, including the Leavey Cancer Center, a cardiovascular center, stroke center, the Center for Assault Treatment Services, a pediatric medical center, and the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley. As a leading provider of compassionate, high-quality and affordable patient-centered care, we share a rich legacy with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. We are part of a 21-state network of nearly 9,000 physicians, 62,000 employees and more than 400 care centers. Visit here  dignityhealth.org/northridgehospital for more information.

One Community. One Mission. One California 

The Emergency Department at Northridge Hospital Medical Center is actively seeking individuals who demonstrate excellence. All employees are expected to perform their duties in alignment with the vision and values of the organization.  The Mental Health Tech  is responsible for a variety of tasks that lead to a high level of customer satisfaction in the most cost-effective manner with respect and dignity. Under direct supervision of licensed personnel the Mental Health Technician assists the Emergency Department registered nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary health care team; provides basic patient care in accordance with individual needs, Hospital policy and standards of patient care.

While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry we’ll take care of you with benefits that include health/dental/vision FSA matching retirement plans paid vacation adoption assistance and more.

• Documents and performs all activities of daily living or as directed by the registered nurse for other patient care needs. Performs basic patient care procedures in accordance with the established plan of care, as appropriate and complies with safety and infection control policies and initiatives.
• Assist with the patient/family care needs from admission, transfer, and discharge process to include prompt inventory and recording of patient’s belongings.
• Provision of patient care includes but is not limited to: vital signs, assist with maintenance of skin integrity, maintenance exercise, passive range of motion, assist with placement of mask/cannula and tubing, baths and showers, oral care, reinforces grooming, dressing, shower and bathing techniques, colostomy maintenance; turning patients, transfers to and from bed, toilets and showers, deliver, setup and collect food trays and nourishment's, reinforces nutrition education and feeding techniques, and collecting/labeling and sending specimens to laboratory by utilizing the current system.
• Reports and records any changes in the patient’s conditions, vital signs, or behavior of patients and any unusual incident immediately to the nurse in charge and assists in interventions as directed.
• Answers patient’s call lights promptly, anticipates patients’ needs and checks on patients regularly to ensure the patient’s needs are met.
• Monitor patients on acuity needs set by the RN to include 1:1 observation or Line of Sight (LOS) as assigned.
• Must be able to effectively communicate and de-escalate patients in crisis and assist RNs with restraining patients.
• Assist with cleaning functions and stocking supplies to maintain unit.
• Documents according to policies, procedures and standards of care. Keeps medical record updated to reflect patient care.
• Enhances the patient experience by using AIDET, HEART and positive professional communication. Supports patient experience initiatives implemented on the unit and within the hospital.
• Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors and other hospital personnel, while assuring confidentiality of patient information.
• Demonstrates a positive cooperative manner when dealing with all members of the health care team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of one (1) year mental health worker experience working with psychiatric patients either in an inpatient or residential setting required.
• Acute care facility experience preferred.
• High School Graduate or equivalent required.
• Current  and active California Nursing Assistant certification required.
• Current AHA BLS card required.
• LA City Fire Safety card required within 90 days of hire required.

This position is represented by SEIU  UHW and is covered by the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement