Mental Health Technician (MHT) / Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Location: Nexus Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands, TX

Schedule: Full-Time (Day & Night Shifts Available)

About Us

Nexus Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands is the nation’s only inpatient program dedicated to children, adolescents, and young adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and childhood obesity. Through our Jump Start Program, we provide structured, personalized treatment — combining calorie-controlled nutrition, physical training, and behavioral health support.
 
 Our highly specialized environment helps patients achieve long-term health and independence — because at Nexus, we’re focused on mending minds.

Position Summary

The Mental Health Technician (MHT), also known as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA), provides direct patient care, behavioral support, and daily supervision to children, adolescents, and young adults with medical, developmental, and behavioral needs.
 
 MHTs/PCAs are key members of the care team — creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where patients can learn healthy routines, develop coping skills, and progress toward recovery. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about pediatric care, behavioral health, and making a meaningful difference in young patients’ lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide patient care that promotes safety, dignity, and emotional well-being in a pediatric setting.
• Supervise and monitor children and adolescents to maintain structure, consistency, and engagement.
• Observe, record, and report changes in behavior, emotional state, or medical condition.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as hygiene, dressing, feeding, and mobility.
• Support individualized behavioral and nutrition plans through positive reinforcement and encouragement.
• Participate in recreational, therapeutic, and educational activities designed to build independence and self-esteem.
• Utilize approved de-escalation techniques to safely manage crisis situations.
• Collaborate with nurses, therapists, dietitians, and educators to ensure a holistic, child-centered approach to care.
• Maintain detailed documentation, ensure confidentiality, and comply with infection control and safety policies.
• Serve as a positive role model demonstrating patience, compassion, and professional behavior.

Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• AA/BA/BS in Psychology, Education, Child Development, Behavioral Health, or related field (preferred)

 Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a pediatric, behavioral health, or hospital setting (preferred)
• Experience supporting patients with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or weight management needs highly valued

 Licensure / Certification:

• BLS/CPR certification required upon hire
• Completion of de-escalation training (required or obtained within 30 days of hire)
• Current TB test within 14 days of hire and annually thereafter

Nexus Core Values (GOPTIC)

• Genuine – Operate with integrity and build trust among patients, families, and colleagues.
• Ownership – Take personal responsibility for actions and outcomes.
• Positivity – Approach challenges with optimism and compassion.
• Teamwork – Collaborate to achieve our mission and support one another.
• Innovation – Seek better, more effective ways to help patients and families.
• Compassion – Always put our patients first; our mission begins and ends with them.

Before Applying

• Do you have experience supporting children or adolescents with behavioral or developmental needs?
• Can you remain calm and supportive in crisis or de-escalation situations?
• Are you passionate about helping young patients build independence and lifelong health skills?
• Are you ready to work as part of a team focused on mending minds?
• Are you GOPTIC?

 If you answered YES — apply today and help us continue to bridge the gap between medical, behavioral, and developmental care at Nexus Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands.