What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Technician (MHT) - Behavioral Health position at ShareSTAFF?
Mental Health Technician (MHT) - Behavioral Health
Pay: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour (varies by assignment and experience)
Location: West Virginia (behavioral health and psychiatric facilities)
Schedule: Multiple shifts available - days, evenings, and nights (8-hour and 12-hour shifts)
Assignment Length: 13 week contracts with extension opportunities
Job Type: Full-time | Contract | Travel assignments available
Pay Frequency: Weekly pay
Location: West Virginia (behavioral health and psychiatric facilities)
Schedule: Multiple shifts available - days, evenings, and nights (8-hour and 12-hour shifts)
Assignment Length: 13 week contracts with extension opportunities
Job Type: Full-time | Contract | Travel assignments available
Pay Frequency: Weekly pay
About the Role
ShareSTAFF is hiring Mental Health Technicians (MHTs), also known as Patient Care Technicians, Behavioral Health Technicians, Psychiatric Technicians, or Health Service Workers (HSWs), for inpatient assignments at behavioral health and psychiatric care facilities in West Virginia. As an MHT on our team, you will support adult patients in acute and long-term inpatient psychiatric settings, working under the direction of the Charge RN to monitor patient behavior and well-being, assist with activities of daily living, support therapeutic activities, and help maintain a safe therapeutic environment for individuals living with mental illness. This is an ongoing opportunity to join our pipeline for current and upcoming state contract assignments.
Note: This role is classified as a Health Service Worker (HSW) under the West Virginia state contract.
Note: This role is classified as a Health Service Worker (HSW) under the West Virginia state contract.
What We Offer
- Weekly pay - every week, on time
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance for eligible employees
- Tax-free housing and meal stipends for travel assignments
- Travel reimbursement
- Referral bonuses - earn extra when you refer a fellow healthcare professional
- Dedicated recruiter support before, during, and after your assignment
- Extension opportunities and access to new assignments nationwide
What You'll Do
- Monitor patient behavior and communicate observations to the Charge RN and treatment team
- Use therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques to support patients experiencing emotional or behavioral distress
- Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, meals, and mobility
- Obtain and record vital signs: temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels
- Support and facilitate therapeutic, recreational, and social group activities as directed by the treatment team
- Escort patients to and from treatment areas and supervise in special care areas
- Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, including personal inventory and handoff communication
- Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with facility policy and standards of care
- Respond to emergency situations as directed by nursing staff
- Assist with crisis intervention and behavior management interventions in accordance with facility policies and your level of training
- Monitor and document patient observational levels (15-minute checks, close constant observation, 1:1 observation)
What You Bring - Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum one (1) year of experience in care, treatment, or development of individuals with mental illness, behavioral health needs, or physical challenges, OR current certification or registration as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Nurse Aide (may substitute for experience per state requirements)
- Current CPR and First Aid certifications from the American Heart Association
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
- Willingness to work mandatory overtime as an essential function of the role
What You Bring - Preferred
- Experience as a Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Psychiatric Technician, or Patient Care Technician
- Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, or mental health settings
- Experience in state psychiatric hospital, forensic psychiatric, or geriatric psychiatric settings
- CNA, DSP (Direct Support Professional), or patient care technician experience
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation training from a recognized program (CPI, MANDT, NVCI, Handle With Care, MAB, or equivalent)
- Familiarity with patient observation protocols and electronic documentation systems
About ShareSTAFF
ShareSTAFF connects nursing and allied health professionals with travel and contract assignments at hospitals, state facilities, and healthcare organizations nationwide. With more than a decade of experience and lasting relationships with healthcare facilities across the country, we specialize in matching skilled clinicians with assignments where they can make a real impact on patient care. Our healthcare division supports nurses and behavioral health professionals across psychiatric, medical-surgical, critical care, and allied health specialties.
How to Apply
Ready to make a difference in behavioral health and mental health care? Click "Apply Now" below or contact our recruiting team to discuss current and upcoming assignments.
ShareSTAFF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. We comply with the California Fair Chance Act and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the law. ShareSTAFF participates in E-Verify; employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire. #hcev1
Salary : $19 - $24