Mental Health Technician Lead

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt                                   Reports to:  Program Director

Job Summary

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) Lead is a working lead position responsible for providing direct client care while supporting the day-to-day operations of Oxbow Center's residential program. The MHT Lead works a regularly assigned shift schedule and is expected to work directly on the floor with clients as an active member of the direct-care team.

This is not primarily an administrative or office-based position. During each scheduled shift, the MHT Lead is expected to remain actively engaged in client care, supervision, daily routines, activities, medication processes, crisis response, documentation, household responsibilities, and other duties routinely performed by Mental Health Technicians.

In addition to these direct-care responsibilities, the MHT Lead serves as a resource and point of support for MHT staff and works closely with the Residential Program Director to support consistent program operations, staff communication, treatment-plan implementation, and quality service delivery.

The MHT Lead assists clients with activities of daily living, supports client independence and recovery, participates in rehabilitation and therapeutic services, contributes to treatment planning, and helps ensure a safe, respectful, and therapeutic residential environment.

Essential Functions

Direct Client Care and Shift Responsibilities

• Work an assigned shift schedule based on program and operational needs.
• Maintain an active presence on the floor and with clients throughout the scheduled shift.
• Perform the direct-care responsibilities expected of Mental Health Technicians while serving in the Lead role.
• Conduct regular observations of clients' mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical well-being.
• Engage with clients throughout the shift and provide appropriate support, guidance, redirection, and encouragement.
• Assist clients with activities of daily living, including grooming, hygiene, housekeeping, laundry, nutrition, meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, money management, and other skills identified in the treatment plan.
• Encourage and support clients in developing and maintaining independence and self-care skills.
• Facilitate and participate in recreational, rehabilitative, and therapeutic activities as directed by the treatment team.
• Transport clients to appointments, activities, and other approved destinations using agency-provided vehicles as needed.
• Remain available and responsive to client needs throughout the shift.

Shift Leadership and Program Support

• Serve as a lead resource for MHT staff.
• Assist the Residential Program Director with the daily operations of the residential program.
• Help ensure staff assignments, client needs, household responsibilities, and shift expectations are completed.
• Provide staff with guidance and clarification regarding established procedures, client care expectations, and daily responsibilities.
• Communicate concerns regarding staff performance, client care, scheduling, safety, or program operations to the Residential Program Director.
• Assist the Residential Program Director with staff scheduling and coverage as assigned.
• Help facilitate effective communication between shifts to promote continuity of client care.
• Model professional behavior, appropriate boundaries, teamwork, accountability, and respectful interactions with clients and coworkers.

Treatment Plan Implementation and Client Support

• Collaborate with the Residential Program Director, therapist, case manager, and other members of the treatment team to ensure treatment direction is followed.
• Support implementation of individualized treatment plans and client goals during day-to-day activities.
• Provide feedback regarding client progress, behaviors, concerns, and changes in functioning to the appropriate members of the treatment team.
• Ensure client needs are being addressed according to the direction and guidance of the Residential Program Director and treatment team.
• Promote an environment that supports client empowerment, independence, recovery, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
• Assist with client intake and discharge processes, including required documentation and coordination as assigned.

Medication Support

• Conduct required medication counts with staff on duty according to established procedures.
• Observe and/or assist with client medication processes within the employee's training and scope of responsibility.
• Ensure medication procedures and documentation requirements are followed.
• Immediately report medication discrepancies, errors, adverse reactions, or other concerns according to agency procedures.

Crisis Intervention and Safety

• Respond promptly to behavioral health crises, medical concerns, emergencies, and other unexpected situations.
• Utilize approved de-escalation and non-violent behavioral management techniques.
• Provide direction and support to staff during crisis situations while remaining actively involved in the response.
• Prioritize the safety and security of clients, staff, visitors, and the residential environment.
• Follow established emergency procedures and promptly communicate significant incidents to the Residential Coordinator or other designated leadership.

Documentation and Communication

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of client interactions, services, observations, incidents, and other required information.
•  Review and support completion of required shift documentation as assigned.
• Communicate relevant client information, safety concerns, incidents, and operational issues to the Residential Program Director and appropriate members of the treatment team.
• Maintain professional communication with clients, families, coworkers, healthcare professionals, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Training, Compliance, and Quality

• Support compliance with Oxbow Center policies, procedures, program requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Complete all required agency training upon hire and annually thereafter, including non-violent behavioral management and mandatory compliance training.
• Assist in supporting and orienting MHT staff to established program routines and expectations as assigned.
• Help identify areas where additional staff coaching, training, or clarification may be needed and communicate those needs to the Residential Program Director.
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times.

Household, Facility, and Vehicle Responsibilities

• Participate directly in routine household and facility responsibilities during the assigned shift.
• Assist with cleaning, organization, meal preparation, household upkeep, and other duties necessary to maintain a safe and therapeutic residential environment.
• Assist with agency vehicle upkeep and communicate maintenance or safety concerns as appropriate.
• Help ensure that household responsibilities are appropriately distributed and completed by staff during the shift.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Two years of experience working in a residential, behavioral health, mental health, healthcare, or similar direct-care environment preferred.
• Previous experience providing leadership, mentorship, training, or direction to coworkers strongly preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and meet agency driving requirements.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to work directly with clients throughout the scheduled shift.
• Ability to balance direct client-care responsibilities with shift leadership and operational responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with clients, staff, families, and members of the treatment team.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective during challenging or crisis situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities.
• Ability to provide appropriate direction and feedback to coworkers while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Keen observational skills and the ability to recognize and communicate changes in client behavior, functioning, or mental status.
• Conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy and the ability to become proficient in required electronic systems within a reasonable timeframe.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and agency requirements.
• Dependability, punctuality, and consistent attendance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The MHT Lead does not have formal supervisory authority unless specifically delegated by management. However, the MHT Lead provides day-to-day shift leadership, guidance, support, and direction to MHT staff and communicates staff or operational concerns to the Residential Program Director.

The Lead designation does not remove the employee from direct-care responsibilities. The MHT Lead remains part of the scheduled staffing complement and is expected to actively participate in client care and routine shift responsibilities.

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands/fingers to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS

All staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the mission,

vision under which YBHC operates. They must be an active, positive participant of the team while maintaining confidentiality regarding those served, co-workers and community partners. They must also treat all persons with respect, courtesy, and dignity, be on time and regular in attendance, and show up for work with a positive attitude. Employee will care for clients and work with other employees of all cultural and religious backgrounds. Patterns of absences or tardiness are not acceptable. It is a requirement to refrain from spreading rumors, gossiping or other non-productive forms of conversation, at work or away from the workplace. Must always maintain HIPAA compliance and be willing to participate in any YBHC and/or CARF mandatory training programs. Be always professional and discrete in manner. Maintain good public relations between the community and YBHC.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employee works within the interior of a mental healthcare environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee may travel locally between multiple worksites and be responsible for own transportation. Out of area travel may be required on occasion. Hours of operation and specific staff scheduling may vary based on operational need. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a mental healthcare environment may routinely be encountered.