Riverside Healthcare is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Technician to join our Inpatient Senior Behavioral Health Unit in Kankakee, Illinois. In this role, you will combine the responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with the specialized duties of a Mental Health Technician. You will provide vital support to our senior patients experiencing mental health challenges, ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment while promoting dignity and well-being. Additionally, this role requires flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure. Essential Duties. Assist patients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, grooming, bathing, and dressing, in accordance with CNA protocols. Monitor and document patient behavior, moods, and progress, promptly reporting any changes to nursing staff and the treatment team. Facilitate group therapy sessions and activities, promoting patient engagement and social interaction. Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment by adhering to safety protocols, ensuring proper handling of any behavioral crises. Provide emotional support and companionship to patients, fostering trust and encouraging open communication. Support the implementation of individualized treatment plans, collaborating with the healthcare team. Participate in staff meetings and contribute insights on patient progress and care strategies. Respond promptly to patient needs and emergencies, utilizing de-escalation techniques when necessary. Perform routine vital signs and reporting findings to nursing staff. Nonessential Duties. Assist with administrative tasks as needed, such as filing, data entry, and patient record maintenance. Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support comprehensive patient care. Responsibilities. Required Experience. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients and families. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and maintain professionalism in challenging situations. Preferred Experience. Previous experience in a mental health setting, particularly with senior populations, is preferred. Basic understanding of mental health conditions and treatment modalities. Required Licensure/ Education. High school diploma or equivalent required. Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is required. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. Secure certification required upon hire and maintained annually. Preferred Education. College level courses in Psychology or related field preferred Associate's Degree preferred.