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Mental Health Technician Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated March 4, 2025

Mental health technician duties and responsibilities

The primary responsibility of a mental health technician is to ensure that patients are comfortable and safe. To do so, they perform the following mental health technician job duties:

  • Taking patients’ vital signs, including pulse rate, breathing rate and blood pressure
  • Administering medications and supervising patients to ensure they take them
  • Helping patients bathe, groom, dress or use the bathroom as needed
  • Notating patient records with changes in health status or behavior
  • Escorting or transporting patients inside the facility or to appointments off campus
  • Intervening when patients become dangerous to themselves or others
  • Communicating with staff, patients and their family members as needed

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Mental Health Technician Job Description Examples

Example 1

New Starting Rates! You will be paid to go through an in-depth three week training program! Want to join the field of healthcare where you can grow and excel? Harsha Behavioral Center is a freestanding 81-bed acute care inpatient psychiatric hospital located in Terre Haute, Indiana servicing children, adolescents, adults, & geriatrics.

Our goal is to provide the patients and families with unsurpassed care. Our patient care team strives to deliver the best possible services to all the patients on a consistent basis every day of the year. To do that, we rely on the strengths and talents of our professional and dedicated employees. If you are passionate about serving others with care and compassion - join our team at Harsha!

Harsha Behavioral Center is currently hiring Full Time Mental Health Technician's for the following shifts: Night shift is from 11:00 pm to 7:30 am.

Base pay for the position is:$17.00/hour

Night shift differential: $1.00

Weekend shift differential: $2.00 for night

All applicants must be willing and able to work a weekend and holiday rotation.

Job Summary: Provides direct and indirect patient care under the direction of a registered nurse. Provides for the personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients. Provides a safe, clean environment. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Participates in providing a therapeutic environment through acceptance of patient behavior and guidance toward socially acceptable behavior. Interprets information needed to identify patient requirements relative to age specific needs.
  • Orients patients to the units, takes admission vital signs
  • Performs and records patient vital signs, intake and output; notifies RN of any changes.
  • Provides general nursing care, i.e., transferring patients, assisting with ADLs.
  • Monitors patient s compliance with pre and post procedure instructions under the supervision of the RN.
  • Continuously observes patients behavior, mental status and activities, notifies RN of any changes or unusual occurrences.
  • Demonstrates the ability to identify behaviors that require intervention.

    Must be willing and able to pass drug screen and background checks.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: From $17.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Medical specialties:
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Holidays
  • Overnight shift
  • Weekends as Location: In person

    • Example 2

    Local healthcare provider has an immediate opening for a Mental Health Technician.

    Veteran's are preferred and encouraged to apply!

    Position Description:

    As a member of the treatment team, The Mental Health Technician participates in direct patient care including insuring patient safety, interacting therapeutically, assisting in activities of daily living, and performing routine technical nursing assignments. Provides services to patients whose ages range from adult to geriatric.

    Responsibilities:

  • Assists in direct patient care.
  • Assists patients in activities of daily living.
  • Accurate and timely monitoring of patients vital signs.
  • Utilizes appropriate verbal observational techniques to obtain patient information.
  • Assessment data includes relevant physiological and psychosocial information.
  • Effectively responds to crisis situations.
  • Appropriately interacts with patients to provide the development of normal socialization skills.
  • Maintains a safe and health-promoting physical environment.
  • Consistently provides health-promoting information to patients.
  • Appropriately modifies the environment to ensure patient safety.
  • Consistently applies appropriate guidelines regarding infection control as outlined by policies and procedures.

    Actively works to achieve patients trust.

    Appropriately responds to patients dependency needs.

    Demonstrates awareness of patients rights of dignity and privacy.

    Demonstrates effective crisis intervention skills as indicated.

    Promotes healthy expression of patients thoughts and feelings.

    Creatively motivates patients to participate in the therapeutic process.

    Responsible for escorting patients within the hospital and outside the hospital.

    Education:

    High school graduate or GED.

    Work Experience:

    Twelve months experience in a Behavioral Health Care setting or nursing home preferred.

    Physical Requirements:

    Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

    We are a drug-free workplace and equal opportunity employer.

    No Phone Calls Please!

    Job Type: Part-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance



    Education:
  • High school or equivalent Location: In person

    • Example 3

    Mental Health Technician-Hickory Behavioral Network

    Direct Report to CNO

    Primary Purpose and Function:

    The Mental Health Technician (MHT) is an integral member of the treatment team, functioning as the primary conduit between patient and staff, working to ensure the implementation and integration of the person-centered treatment plan. The MHT is responsible for monitoring, observing, and reporting client activities while providing structure and support of the clinical person-centered treatment plan.

    Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent is preferred.
  • Previous psychiatric and/or nursing assistant experience preferred.
  • An ability to learn quickly, multi-task, and utilize effective communication skills, including both telephone and in-person
  • Positive demeanor and clear understanding of professional boundaries with patients
  • Ability to follow directives explicitly, adhere to facility policies, provide patient-driven customer service, and exercise time management skills
  • Schedule flexibility, holiday, and weekend rotation is Required
  • Musthold valid driver's license with reliable transportation

    Primary Responsibilities:

  • Adhere to HIPAA compliance in all communication regarding patients in treatment.
  • Provide consistent, daily, Appropriate engagement with patients, providing support through implementation of the treatment plan
  • Display effective documentation, effective communication, confidentiality, and sensitivity skills
  • Orient patient to unit and program, carry out teaching activities identified in the treatment plan under the supervision of the nurse in charge, and provide continuous patient care and assist patients in all areas.
  • Assist patient with activities of daily living
  • Adheres to training and development standards set forth by Hickory, Joint Commission, and State Regulations
  • Upholds familiarity with State and Federal laws and regulations

    Pay Band:Full Time- $14.40-$20/hr

    As this is not an all-inclusive list. Other duties may be assigned as required by Patient and Facility needs.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $14.00 - $20.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Medical specialties:
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Psychiatry
    Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Night shift
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability

    Application Question(s):
  • Which shift(s) are you available to Location: One location

    • Example 4

    This position is for direct care staff - Mental Health Technician

    Available shifts: 3pm-11pm OR 11PM-7AM

    Part time staff work 2-3 shifts a week which requires 1 weekend shift a week. Must be able to complete a 2 week PAID new hire training.

    Benefits Available:

  • Medical/Vision/Dental available for full time staff
  • Healthcare/Dependent Care FSA Plan
  • 403(b) Plan (Non-Profit Retirement Plan)
  • Paid Time Off up to 13 days in first year, 17 days the following year (days increase throughout career)
  • We are a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) Employer
  • Tuition Reimbursement/Tuition Forgiveness
  • Supervision hours provided to master level clinical staff, as well as ECU s for licensure.

    Job Summary:

    At KidsPeace, the Mental Health Technician is responsible for providing direct supervision and direction to emotionally and behaviorally challenged children and adolescents in a compassionate and respectful manner. This includes requiring an unwavering commitment to the safety of kids and being aware of all ongoing developments and concerns, on a daily basis, of all children in their care. This responsibility also includes demonstrating the ability to distinguish between discipline and punishment as well as seeing past a child s surface behavior to recognize the children in need of help. Additionally, there is an innate desire to build trusting and supportive relationships with all of our children and recognize this as a prerequisite for implementing individualized treatment and unit programming.

    We are looking for staff with some experience in/with child care, patient care, children, adolescents, teens, youth, mental health, behavioral health, high risk behaviors, therapy, counseling, mentor.

    Requirements:

  • High School graduate or equivalent required
  • Experience with acute emotionally challenged children or adolescents preferred.
  • Must be available weekends.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must be able to clear criminal history check and child abuse clearances.

    KidsPeace is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.*

    #kidspeace2

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $16.50 - $20.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Evening shift
  • Overnight shift
  • Weekends as needed



    Application Question(s):
  • Do you have valid Drivers License?
  • Are you 21 years or Location: In person

    • Example 5

    ****New raised starting rates!****

    Lifeworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that individuals with autism lead healthy and enriched lives by providing essential clinical services across the lifespan. Founded in 2013, Lifeworks provides residential, vocational, and educational opportunities for adults throughout Northeast Ohio with a diagnosis of autism. Among its array of services, the agency offers behavioral health and Applied Behavior Analytic services for individuals of all ages who are on the spectrum.

    Position Summary:
    Lifeworks is currently hiring Autism Spectrum Disorder & Mental Health Technician to be a part of our growing and dynamic team! As the Autism & Mental Health Technician, you will work in homes, vocational settings, and broader communities to positively impact the lives of adults with Autism. At Lifeworks, you will gain an immersive clinical experience working alongside professionals who strive daily to address the neurodevelopmental and mental health symptoms of service recipients.

    For professionals seeking a fulfilling and challenging work experience that will propel them toward an career in healthcare, psychology, behavior analysis, psychiatry, social work, counseling, education, nursing, public health, speech, occupational, or physical therapy, the Autism & Mental Health Technician role may be a great fit.

    At Lifeworks, we offer paid training as well as opportunities for you to advance your career through direct mentorship, flexible hours, and great field work experience. We also offer supervision hours for BCBA and BCaBA candidates.

    Responsibilities Include:

  • Provide managed care, support and training for consumers in the areas of vocation, functional daily living skills, community integration, communication, social skills and general wellness.
  • Assure the safety and well-being of each individual while promoting independence and respecting each individual’s choices, needs and rights.
  • Plan and organize daily activities to optimize programming for consumers.
  • Aid in the management and modeling of socially acceptable alternatives to negative and destructive behavior.
  • Protect consumers from physical and emotional harm emanating from themselves, others or the environment.
  • Properly handle emergencies such as injuries and acting-out situations.
  • Role model pro-social, mediation and self-management skills.

    Qualifications:

  • Full COVID-19 vaccination or approved exemption required.
  • Pursuing and obtained Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education or related field.
  • Sensitivity in relating to persons of varying backgrounds and demonstrate ability to work with diverse groups of people possessing various strengths, aptitudes and abilities.
  • Ability to perform job responsibilities with a high degree of initiative and independent judgment
  • Must be at least 20 years old in order to apply

    Why Work for Us?

    At Lifeworks we pride ourselves in possessing a dynamic, collaborative culture throughout all of our programs. We value our employees and their commitment to our mission and offer competitive benefits including:

  • Dental, vision and medical insurance
  • Defined benefit pension plan
  • 403(b) plan
  • Life insurance
  • Paid long-term disability
  • Generous paid time off

    Other benefits of working at Lifeworks include:

  • A friendly, professional and appreciated staff
  • Working with a team committed to the well-being of others
  • Career growth
  • Field work experience and supervision hours for BCBA and BCaBA candidates.
  • Year round free CEU trainings

    cj9MJHEatG

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: From $19.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision Location: In person

    • Example 6

    Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta is a multi-discipline behavioral healthcare center that offers mental health services to the communities of surrounding Augusta, Georgia. The Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta is an acute and residential treatment facility providing balanced, top-notch clinical care to children, adolescents and young adults. We provide a carefully-structured and supportive environment, and our education program is accredited through the Georgia Accrediting Commission. We are recruiting night shift Mental Health Technicians with a degree and will accept Certified Nursing Assistants.

    Much more available online at: [website]

    Key Responsibilities include:

  • Monitor unit patients and complete observation rounds as assigned
  • Participate in treatment planning
  • Assist in the admission process
  • Orient new patients to the unit and their program
  • Plan and prepare for group therapy sessions
  • Maintain patient, program, department and related documentation
  • Utilize the behavior management process for patients in crisis

    Benefits for a MHT include:

  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Competitive Compensation, $2.50 shift differential & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Medical specialties:
  • Psychiatry
    Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Night shift



    Education:
  • Associate (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Behavioral health: 2 years (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Preferred)
  • CNA Location: In person

    • Example 7

    Perimeter Behavioral of Missouriimmediate openings for Mental Health Technicians for all Shifts.We are seeking individuals who are committed to improving the lives of those with mental health illness.

    1st Shift -6:45am to 3pm

    2nd Shift- 2:45pm to 11pm

    3rd Shift- 10:45pm to 7am

    Hours will differ for 10 or 12 hour shifts

    Shift differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift!!!!

    Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Missouri is a residential treatment facility providing care to adolescents. Located in Waynesville, MO, Perimeter Behavioral of Missouri s goal is to provide a responsive healing environment for patients and to inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education, and compassion. Join our professional team today.

    The Mental Health Technician responsibilities include the following:Participates in the development and implementation of clients' behavioral programs by providing care and close supervision of facility clients, documenting behavior, developing positive relationships with clients and co-workers, following facility policies and procedures, implementing treatment plans and providing crisis intervention as necessary.

    Qualified candidates should have the following:

    AGE -At least twenty-one (21) years of age.

    Education and/or Experience -High School diploma or GED.

    WORK Environment -The work environment for this position is a residential facility setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to clients who may ask inappropriate personal questions, display socially unacceptable personal behaviors, use profanity and sexually explicit phrases, make insulting remarks or threats regarding appearance, age, sex, or race, and exhibit defiance, dishonesty, and assaultive or self-destructive behaviors. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and may be subject to occasional local travel as required by facility needs. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.





    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: $14.00 per hour

    Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

    Medical specialties:

  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry

    Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Holidays
  • Night shift
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability

    To learn more about the company, please visit our website at: [website]

    Perimeter Healthcare is one of the leading behavioral health care providers in the country for children, adolescents, adults, and senior adults. We deliver hope to our patients through the delivery of comprehensive and dedicated treatment programs. Our focus and commitment on service excellence is available across several states and in different care settings. Our team ensures our patients receive the required care that they or their loved one needs. We offer several programs for our patients including inpatient acute treatment and residential treatment. We are seeking staff who exhibit daily the following values: C- Compassion A- Accountability R Respect and E- Empowerment.

    EEO

    We are committed to providing an environment of diversity and inclusion where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and fellow employees. Perimeter Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer regarding all recruitment, training, and selection process within the company regarding race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

    #Indwayne

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $14.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 10 hour shift
  • 12 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Night shift
  • Weekends as needed



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Waynesville, MO 65583: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Behavioral health: 1 year (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • Driver's License Location: In person
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    What does a mental health technician do?

    The daily routine for a mental health technician may vary from day to day. Often, mental health technicians are the members of the care team with the most patient contact. They help them get ready for the day, check their vital signs, talk to them to assess their mental state and supervise them while they engage in activities.

    When needed, mental health technicians may step in to help a nurse, therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist when conducting examinations or leading an individual or group therapy session. At some facilities, they are points of contact for family members and are responsible for communicating about their loved one’s status and progress as allowed by privacy laws.

    Mental health technician skills and qualifications

    To carry out their duties successfully, a mental health technician needs qualifications. Skills that indicate quality applicants include:

    • Familiarity with crisis intervention techniques to deescalate conflicts in a manner that keeps staff and patients safe
    • Concentration skills to understand complex written and verbal instructions and follow them completely
    • Basic knowledge of anatomy, mental health conditions and common treatments
    • Observational skills to pick up on changes in symptoms and behaviors
    • Strong oral communication skills to interact effectively with staff and patients
    • Thorough understanding of privacy laws and safety and infection control standards
    • Ability to lift and steady patients who may have difficulty getting up or walking on their own
    • Computer skills to enter information into health information software systems

    Mental health technician experience requirements

    How much experience candidates need to succeed in mental health technician careers depends largely upon the experience of your existing team. If you have highly experienced mental health technicians available to train and assist new hires, candidates may not need any real-world work experience in the field.

    However, if most of your staff is new or the position will involve little to no supervision, you may wish to focus on candidates with two or more years of experience. Examples include an open position for a sole night shift technician or an opening at an agency that provides home care for mental health patients.

    Mental health technician education and training requirements

    Individuals with two or more years of experience may not need additional education beyond a high school diploma or GED to be considered quality candidates for mental health technician positions. However, your facility may wish to prioritize individuals who have an associate degree in behavioral health or mental health technology.

    If the position requires the technician to travel to various locations or transport patients, they’ll need a valid driver’s license. Some states require technicians to become state-licensed or certified by completing an approved training program and taking a written examination. Other states may not mandate anything beyond passing a criminal background check to work in the field.

    Mental health technician salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a mental health technician is $84,572 per year. Your facility can establish salaries based on candidates’ education and experience, as well as the current salary trends in your area.

    Mental health technician salary expectations

    2025-10-017.2527.2871.30HOURLY
    • Common salary: 27.28 HOURLY
    • Typical salaries range from 7.25 - 71.30 HOURLY
    • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

    *Indeed data – 2025-10-01

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If the mental health technician job duties outlined above don’t match your facility needs, consider these related job descriptions:

    Mental health technician job description FAQs

    What should you look for in a mental health technician resume?

    When examining resumes, look for skill sets that line up with the specific requirements for your position. You may wish to consider whether candidates worked for facilities of a similar size or specialty as your own. You should also take note of which candidates hold voluntary professional certifications such as:

    • Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
    • Mental Health Technician Certification (CMHT) from the National Career Certification Board (NCCB)
    • National Certified Psychiatric Technician (NCPT) from the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT)

    Who does a mental health technician report to?

    Who a mental health technician reports to depends on the facility. Usually, a mental health technician reports directly to a shift supervisor. This may be a highly experienced technician or a mental health nurse. A home health care coordinator, caseworker or manager usually supervises mental health technicians who work in private residences.

    What qualities make a good mental health technician?

    Mental health technicians need the patience to work with individuals suffering from mental health disorders. A sense of humor can help diffuse tense situations and alleviate stress on the job. Mental health technicians also need to be willing to work as a team with other staff members.

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    Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

    Hire your next Mental Health Technician today.

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