Mental Health Technician - Safety Net - Contingent

Description

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Zepf Center's Runaway Youth Shelter is a critical lifeline for young people in our community and throughout Northwest Ohio. Designed to provide temporary shelter for runaway, homeless, or at-risk youth, Safety Net also provides care coordination for mental health and primary care services, life skills development, and academic support.

The Mental Health Technician plays a crucial role in supporting individuals in crisis and ensuring the effective operation of 24/7 mental health services. This position involves direct interaction with clients, crisis intervention, transportation, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams to assist individuals experiencing distress. Mental Health Technicians may work in various settings, including community outreach, emergency services, and residential programs, providing support in managing mental health crises, facilitating care, and ensuring safety for everyone involved.

Mental Health Technicians are expected to maintain a flexible schedule to meet the needs of a 24/7 department, including on-call shifts, weekends, and holidays. They work closely with clinical teams and are instrumental in delivering immediate, hands-on care in high-pressure situations while fostering a compassionate, trauma-informed environment for both clients and colleagues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to mental health crises in the field or facility, providing immediate support to clients and their families.
• Conduct assessments and coordinate services with other health professionals.
• Observe, monitor, and engage with clients during activities to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Offer structured support in various settings, including residential units, emergency rooms, or community locations.
• Provide individualized emotional support to enhance clients' emotional stability and resilience.
• Work closely with mental health professionals, case managers, and other support staff to deliver comprehensive care.
• Participate in the intake and discharge processes, assisting with documentation and case management tasks as needed.
• Track and document clients' behavior and mental status, identifying potential risks and responding to changes in conditions.
• Employ de-escalation techniques and assist in behavior management when necessary.
• Facilitate activities and therapeutic interventions designed to promote recovery, encourage positive coping strategies, and support overall mental and emotional well-being.
• Accurately maintain client records, ensuring all interactions, interventions, and services are documented according to agency policies and procedures. Complete necessary reports, including shift logs, incident reports, and billing information
• Provide outreach services, which may include transporting clients to appointments, emergency services, or community-based care providers. Handle incoming phone calls to the agency, providing information, referrals, and resources to individuals and families in crisis.
• Participate in regular training programs, such as CPR, First Aid, Crisis Intervention, and other professional development activities to maintain certification and enhance service delivery.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain a positive and cohesive work environment. Participate in unit meetings and interagency activities.
• Assist with coverage and flexibility to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 operations.
• Perform additional responsibilities as directed to contribute to the team's effectiveness and the overall success of services provided.
• Essential employees are considered essential to the operations of the organization and must report to work, even in periods of inclement weather, or public emergency.
• This position is part of a 24-hour unit; employees must be available to work scheduled weekends and emergency overtime as needed.

Position Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document actions clearly and communicate effectively with clients, families, and other professionals.
• Effectively communicates with clients and colleagues, employing a calm approach and active listening.
• Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on assignments.
• Able to remain calm and focused in high-stress and crisis situations, providing support and intervention when necessary.
• Maintains professional boundaries while demonstrating empathy and understanding to establish rapport.
• Willing to adapt work and priorities based on changing client needs.
• Open to adjusting work schedules, including taking on-call shifts and emergency overtime when required.
• Detail-oriented with organized work habits, which include timely and appropriate documentation.
• Maintains a tidy workspace.

Organizational Competencies:

• Understands and articulates the agency’s core mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
• Dedicated to the principles of the Sanctuary Model, utilizing the seven commitments as a guide to creating a safe and non-violent environment for clients and staff.
• Familiar with and adheres to relevant policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Demonstrate proactive and effective leadership to address client needs promptly and efficiently.
• Works closely with coworkers and clients to create a seamless and integrated care process.
• Ensures that all services are tailored to meet the specific needs and expectations of clients.
• Maintains a high standard of professional behavior in all interactions with clients and colleagues.
• Exhibits integrity, accountability, and respect in the workplace, fostering a positive and productive organizational culture.
• Actively participates in team activities, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Supports colleagues and contributes to group efforts to achieve shared goals and enhance service delivery.
• Upholds the agency’s code of ethics and professional standards in all practices.
• Demonstrates ethical decision-making and accountability in both individual and team contexts.
• Committed to improving individual and agency operations.
• Incorporates Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) techniques into daily work activities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Actively participates in CQI process teams and supports CQI initiatives to drive organizational improvement.

Requirements

Position Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent, required;
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or at three years of relevant experience in mental health or social services, preferred.
• Must maintain certifications in: CPR, First Aid, CPI
• Additional relevant certifications may be required depending on the specific unit of assignment.
• Must be eligible to drive company vehicles.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for coverage as defined by the agency’s commercial insurance carrier (for those driving company vehicles)
• Proof of insurance (for those using personal vehicles for business purposes)