Mental Health Technician Residency Program - January 2026 Cohort

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Mental Health Tech Resident                                                                                                JOB CODE:

JOB FAMILY:  Allied                                                  FLSA:  Non-Exempt                           DATE: May 2025

SUMMARY

Works under supervision

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.    Collects data to include: intake and output, weight, temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. Performs skin assessments. Recognizes and immediately reports values outside normal parameters to the nurse. Demonstrates awareness of age-specific considerations in gathering these assessments (children, adolescents, adults, older adults). Performs sterile procedures in accordance with the Department of Nursing and Infection Control Policies and Procedures to include sterile gloves, dressing changes and in/out catheterization. Assists in facilitating treatment milieu. Participates in codes to protect the patient from harming self or others.

2.       Reports any changes in a patient's condition or behavior immediately to the nurse. Seeks assistance and guidance as needed to ensure that patient care is delivered in a safe, high quality and effective manner at all times. Monitors patient sharps and valuables and labels-handles appropriately. Conducts walking/exercise and community groups.

3.    Responds to patient requests for assistance in a respectful, positive, and timely manner. Asks the patient and/or patient’s family, “Can I do anything else for you?” before leaving room.

1. Performs basic hygiene care in accordance with the Department of Nursing Policies and Procedures.  Checks skin carefully during the bath, reports anything other than normal immediately to the nurse. Checks skin carefully during the bath, reports anything other than normal immediately to the nurse.
2. Makes frequent and ongoing patient rounds to comfort, position, and to provide toileting and hygiene care.  Informs the patient when you will return. Patient rarely finds it necessary to use the call light.
3. Documents patient information accurately and in appropriate place in a timely manner.
4. Transfers, and transports patients safely and in accordance with the Department of Nursing Policies and Procedures, with concern for age-specific considerations. Ensures that patient is covered with robe and/or blankets and that slippers are on feet (even if Transporter is taking patient).
5. Welcomes new patient/patient's family. Knocks before entering room. Smiles and introduces self. Wears name tag. Immediately alerts nurse if patient/patient's family seems or is unhappy and you have not resolved the issue.
6. Provide patient care under the direction of nursing staff being certain to only perform tasks in which training and/or competency has been validated.
7. Perform patient round