Job Title: Mental Health Therapy Aide (MHT)
Location: Syracuse, NY
Job Type: Contract
Duration: 13 Weeks
Shift & Schedule: Day Shift | 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM (12-hour shifts) and 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (8-hour shifts) | 4 Shifts per Week: Two 12-hour shifts and Two 8-hour shifts
Additional Schedule Requirements: Every weekend required. Occasional extensions beyond scheduled hours may be necessary based on staffing needs.
Pay Rate:
Local: $30.00–$33.00/hr
Traveler: $30.00–$33.00/hr
Note: This job doesn’t offer any benefits.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Mental Health Therapy Aide to support patients with psychiatric and behavioral health needs under nursing supervision. The ideal candidate will help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment while providing patient care and supporting daily unit operations.
Responsibilities
Provide direct and indirect patient care, including recording vital signs, completing admission documentation, assisting with physical examinations, collecting specimens, and monitoring intake and output.
Assist patients with personal hygiene, transportation, daily activities, and orientation to unit routines.
Build therapeutic relationships with patients under nursing supervision and participate in structured therapeutic activities.
Conduct assigned safety checks, monitor patients closely, and promptly report changes in condition to nursing staff.
Support patient safety during behavioral and psychiatric crises, including aggression, self-injury, and property destruction.
Apply age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate care approaches based on individual patient needs.
Assist nursing staff with patient care, unit operations, and continuity of care.
Provide additional shift coverage when needed due to staffing shortages.
Required Qualifications
Recent experience working with psychiatric patients within the past two years preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to provide patient care under nursing supervision.
Ability to work with patients with developmental disabilities, aggressive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, property destruction, and limited or no verbal communication.
Ability to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and respond appropriately to patient crises.
Ability to apply age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate clinical and psychological interventions.
Must successfully pass pre-employment health clearance.
Availability to work every weekend and accommodate occasional shift extensions when required.