MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN 1 - UNDERFILL - MINIMUM ...

Mental Health Technician 1 The Nevada Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is recruiting for a full-time Mental Health Technician 1 underfilling a Mental Health Technician 3 at Desert Willow Treatment Center (DWTC) located in Las Vegas, Nevada. DWTC is an inpatient psychiatric hospital that provides mental health treatment for children ages 6 to 17. This position has the authority and responsibility to ensure that safe and effective patient care is being provided; assures compliance with nursing standards, the Joint Commission accreditation standards, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance licensing standards, and DCFS policies. Incumbents perform in a trainee capacity and acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities required in this occupation. Mental Health Technicians work under immediate and direct supervision of mental health professionals. Incumbents will work with a team of psychiatric nurses, clinicians, and other mental health professionals at DWTC to provide direct patient care to youth with severe emotional disturbances (SED). Mental Health Technicians instruct, assist, and oversee patients in their daily living skills, implement social and therapeutic interventions with patients, and facilitate or co-facilitate individual or group basic skills training sessions under direct supervision of mental health professionals. Mental Health Technicians monitor patients to promptly identify and prevent self-harm activities and conduct suicide prevention watches by checking on clients at specified intervals. Mental Health Technicians participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and make recommendations on patients' mental health care. Mental Health Technicians may transport patients to and from appointments, using state vehicles, if they possess a valid driver's license. Mental Health Technicians collect and maintain data, client files, and complete incident/accident reports and enter information into a database. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Mental Health Technicians supplement the work of mental health professionals, health specialists, and nursing staff including participation in the formulation and implementation of treatment plans for clients in a mental health facility. Employees work in environments such as psychiatric hospitals, treatment centers, psychological evaluation service units, sexual offender units, rural clinics, and related treatment areas where they may be exposed to verbal and physical assault by clients. Graduation from high school or equivalent education and one year of general work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. Assist in observing client behavior on an ongoing basis to monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans; assist in documenting progress in client charts; and assist in reporting significant behavioral and/or medical problems to the interdisciplinary team leader, nurses, or other professional clinical staff. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as assigned; discuss client behavior and provide input and recommendations on changes to the treatment plan in order to optimize client care. Act as a role model for clients by demonstrating appropriate behavior and applying active listening techniques; establish therapeutic interpersonal relationships with assigned clients through one-on-one interactions in order to accomplish treatment plan goals. Receive incoming crisis calls from the public and refer to appropriate professional staff. Protect clients' rights by demonstrating appropriate professional and personal behavior; report observed violations of clients' rights and suspected or known instances of client abuse or neglect consistent with facility and division policies and procedures and federal and State statutes and guidelines; provide client, caregiver and/or family instruction regarding the clients' individual treatment structure to include ongoing assessment; facilitate and protect clients during community events. Collect and maintain data to produce reports and maintain accurate records which may be used for billing purposes; complete special reports such as incident and accident reports; enter client data into the computer to include demographics, admission, unit, and discharge information; assemble and audit client charts within the requirements of the facility; and maintain confidentiality in compliance with established laws, regulations, and agency policy. Assist in orienting and training staff to the facility and introduce appropriate policies and procedures. Implement responses to safety and security issues according to established procedures. Transport clients to and from scheduled appointments, school, and outings using State vehicles and public transportation; supervise clients on outings; accompany/transport clients to discharge locations. Assist professional staff with re-integrating clients into the family and/or community; assist and monitor clients in job seeking skills to include interviewing techniques. Facilitate or co-facilitate individual and group sessions under direct supervision of a mental health professional as assigned; proctor tests and programs required by the school district as assigned. Assist clients and their families with accessing rehabilitative and support services such as applying for financial support, Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation as assigned. Provide basic living and vocational skills training as assigned. Complete coursework and training as assigned. General knowledge of: English grammar and punctuation sufficient to record information in client charts; basic arithmetic. Ability to: learn the typical signs and symptoms of mental illnesses; learn behavior modification and assaultive behavior intervention techniques; read, comprehend and implement agency policies and procedures specific to client care and treatment; learn to establish rapport and develop positive interpersonal relationships with clients; learn the difference between a personal and therapeutic relationship; accompany clients to individual and group therapy sessions and various activities; communicate orally in a clear, concise and effective manner; understand and follow oral and written directions; initiate and follow through on assignments using established protocols; demonstrate patience and flexibility in the workplace; work as part of a team; safely drive a motor vehicle using defensive driving techniques; operate general office equipment including computers which may include entering data and maintaining routine records. The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Created: 2026-03-13