Mental Health Technician - Genesis' new Youth Crisis Center!

Job description

GENESIS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM In order to fill our Mission of serving our community by helping each person achieve optimal health and well-being by providing compassionate, exceptional, and affordable healthcare services, all employees of Genesis HealthCare System must be committed to living the Genesis Mission and Genesis values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Team, and Innovation. All employees must regard themselves as an ‘owner’ of Genesis and keep our patients at the center of everything we do - always. Multiple spots to fill for Genesis' new Youth Crisis Center - opening in 2026! Shifts and schedules available: 72 hours per pay / Day Shift (7am to 7:30pm) 48 hours per pay / Day Shift (7am to 7:30pm) 72 hours per pay / Night Shift (7pm to 7:30am) 48 hours per pay / Night Shift (7pm to 7:30pm) Overview of the position: The Mental Health Technician (MHT) plays a vital role in supporting youth experiencing acute mental health crises in a short-term residential stabilization setting. This position emphasizes a trauma-informed approach to care, ensuring emotional and physical safety while fostering resilience, life skills, and personal growth. The MHT works closely with clinical staff to assist residents in achieving stabilization goals and preparing for successful transitions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1. Trauma-Informed Support: • Engage with youth using trauma-informed principles that prioritize safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. • De-escalate crises using non-violent, empathetic communication and behavior management techniques. • Build therapeutic rapport while maintaining professional boundaries. 2. Life Skills Development: • Assist residents in developing daily living skills such as hygiene, nutrition, time management, and interpersonal communication. • Facilitate structured activities and group sessions that promote independence and self-efficacy. 3. Safety Monitoring: • Conduct regular safety checks and maintain a secure, structured environment. • Monitor for signs of distress, self-harm, or unsafe behaviors and respond according to established protocols. • Document observations and incidents accurately and promptly. 4. Goal Setting & Progress Support: • Support residents in identifying short-term stabilization goals and long-term personal objectives. • Encourage and track progress toward goals in collaboration with the clinical team. • Participate in treatment planning meetings and provide input on resident progress. 5. Team Collaboration: • Communicate effectively with therapists, nurses, case managers, and other staff to ensure continuity of care. • Attend staff meetings, training, and supervision sessions as required. QUALIFICATIONS 1. An associate degree in a related field, or equivalent education and experience in an adolescent-focused setting. 2. CPR/First Aid or must obtain certification within thirty (30) days of hire. 3. Trauma-informed care principles and youth development training or be completed within thirty (30) days of hire. 4. Crisis intervention training or be completed within six (6) months of hire. 5. Ability to remain calm and compassionate in high-stress situations. 6. Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 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. 1. Hear and interpret responses to evaluate progress. 2. Able to stand for one hour, sit for two hours. May need to bend twist, kneel, stoop and reach. 3. Able to deal with aggressive patients/participants both verbally and physically. 4. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. 5. May be required to periodically rotate shifts and regular days off. This description reflects in general terms the type and level of work performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor portray the specific duties of any one incumbent. Thank you for your interest in employment at Genesis. Genesis is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. Selection of applicants for employment is based only on qualifications and the requirements of a specific job .