Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Leesville·Vernon Parish, Louisiana
The Mental Health Technician provides direct patient care and custodial support within a behavioral health hospital. They are responsible for maintaining a therapeutic milieu, observing patient behavior, and communicating status updates to licensed nursing staff.
Make a Difference Where It Counts! At our 22-bed Behavioral Health Hospital, every role plays a vital part in changing lives, strengthening our community, and delivering care that truly matters. Come be part of an amazing team where your impact is seen and felt every single day!
Job Title: Mental Health Technician Department: Nursing Reports To: Director of Nursing Supervises: None FLSA Status: Non-Exempt LOF Support: LOF 4 Skill Checkoff Appraisals: See Attached Mentoring Checklist Form: Non-Licensed
The Mental Health Technician (MHT) functions as an essential member of the nursing staff, supporting quality patient care and ensuring patients’ daily needs are met. The MHT supports licensed nursing staff by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of training and experience. Responsibilities include providing direct patient care to assigned patients and ensuring their activities of daily living are met. MHTs are primarily responsible for the day-to-day custodial care of patients and assist in maintaining a therapeutic milieu through assigned group activities and supportive interventions. The MHT utilizes basic psychiatric nursing knowledge to observe and communicate emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric manifestations of patients’ conditions to licensed nursing staff. As a visible and accessible presence on the unit, the MHT remains readily available to address patient needs while helping maintain a safe environment through diligent observation of both patient status and the physical environment. Additional responsibilities include: Communicating patient observations effectively to licensed nursing staff Assisting licensed staff with clerical duties as needed Maintaining professional patient care standards according to facility mission, policies, procedures, and all regulatory requirements Serving as a communication bridge between patients, families, and licensed staff Assisting with patients’ nutritional needs in collaboration with licensed nursing staff Supporting therapeutic interventions using effective communication and de-escalation techniques Managing the therapeutic environment with professionalism and compassion Working Conditions Work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. While performing job duties, employees may occasionally be exposed to: Fumes or airborne particles Cleaning chemicals Dust, mist, and steam generated during housekeeping tasks Moderate to high noise levels This is a smoke-free workplace. Work is performed primarily indoors (75% or more of the shift) in an environment protected from weather but not necessarily temperature changes. Employees must provide documentation of a tuberculosis test during orientation and annually thereafter. Physical Requirements The employee must be able to: Stand for extended periods (60–80% of shift) Sit for extended periods (up to 4 hours) Walk frequently throughout the shift Lift and carry more than 10 pounds Additional physical requirements include: Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction Handling: Grasping, holding, turning, and working with hands Fingering: Picking, pinching, and manipulating small objects Feeling: Detecting texture, shape, size, and temperature Talking: Clearly expressing ideas verbally Hearing: Perceiving alarms, phones, and spoken communication Seeing: Visual acuity (near/far), depth perception, peripheral vision, accommodation, and color vision The role may involve repetitive tasks and frequent interruptions. Stress is considered a job hazard due to the fast-paced psychiatric environment and the acuity level of patients in crisis. Exposure Category Category II (Tasks involve potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or tissues.) Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Education High school diploma or equivalent required Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification preferred but not required License None required Experience Previous experience working with: Psychiatric patients Geriatric patients Chemical dependency clients Required Skills Effective verbal communication skills Strong organizational skills Effective interpersonal skills Analytical problem-solving ability Ability to read and comprehend written instructions Ability to follow verbal instructions Basic computer proficiency Basic understanding of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria Basic understanding of medical and psychiatric diagnoses and conditions Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations Required Valid Photo ID Social Security Card and/or Driver’s License Primary source verification of education Clinical license copy (if applicable) CPR Certification Behavioral Management Training
Full-Time Employees Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Supplemental Insurance Options 401(k) with Company Match PRN Employees 401(k) with Company Match Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Leesville provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
A high school diploma is required, while CNA certification and experience with psychiatric or geriatric patients are preferred. Candidates must possess CPR certification and Behavioral Management Training.
Market context
In Louisiana, mental health technician roles are commonly tied to hospitals, behavioral health units, and other clinical settings that need staff with direct patient-care experience. This role is competitive because employers often look for a bachelor’s degree in a mental health field, psychiatric or clinical experience, and current BLS and CPI certifications. Before applying, compare your background to the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page, then confirm whether your experience and certifications match the posting.
