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KH
Kootenai Health
Mental Health Specialist
Career Insights for Mental Health / Psychiatric Technician
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Based on Idaho data
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What they do
A Mental Health or Psychiatric Technician cares for patients with mental illnesses. Works under the direction of a physician and works with specialists involved in mental health care, such as psychiatrists and therapists. Monitors patient symptoms and administers medications. Works in a mental health facility or in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
$43,176 / year median in Idaho
+18% projected growth
Job Description
Mental Health Specialist Position Summary The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) plays a vital frontline role in the delivery of safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented care to adults experiencing acute psychiatric crises. Under the supervision of licensed clinical staff, the MHS supports milieu management, patient safety, therapeutic engagement, and behavior stabilization while upholding trauma-informed and person-centered care principles. The MHS establishes therapeutic relationships with assigned patients, helps patients with daily living and the overall maintenance of a therapeutic environment in the psychiatric unit. This position requires strong observational skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage high-acuity patients in a fast-paced inpatient setting. Responsibilities Conducts and documents routine and as-needed safety checks (e.g., Q15, Q5, 1:1 observation) Monitors for changes in mental status, mood, behavior, and safety risks Reports concerning behaviors or clinical changes promptly to licensed staff Maintains a structured, therapeutic, and respectful unit environment Models appropriate boundaries, communication, and coping behaviors Supports daily unit routines, programming, and expectations Assists with the management of behaviorally dysregulated patients Utilizes verbal de-escalation, redirection, and grounding techniques Supports clinical staff during behavioral interventions, including restraints or seclusion when required, per policy Facilitates or co-facilitates psychoeducational and skills-based groups (e.g., coping skills, stress management, emotion regulation) Encourages patient participation and engagement in treatment programming Provides positive reinforcement aligned with treatment goals Provides care that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma Avoids re-traumatization by using respectful language, choice, and collaboration Responds to patient behaviors through a trauma-informed lens Takes vital signs, weighs patients and collects routine specimens Works under immediate supervision Performs other related duties as assigned Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function Competent to meet age specific needs of the unit assigned Requirements and Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree required OR MHS Certification and 2 years related patient care experience required Crisis prevention training, or must acquire within 6 months of employment, required BLS required Working Conditions Must be able to lift and move up to 35lbs Must be able to maintain a sitting and/or standing position Typical equipment used in an office job Must be able to stoop, crouch, or bend Must be able to push, pull, or transport heavy equipment Exposure to needles, blood and body fluids, etc. Potential exposure to unpredictable individuals and volatile interactions Must be able to traverse with/without accommodation