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.
Aspire Health Partners Position Summary The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct support and supervision to individuals receiving behavioral health and/or substance use treatment services. The BHT works closely with nursing, clinical, and therapy staff to maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment while assisting patients with daily activities and treatment programming. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide direct patient care while maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment. Monitor and supervise patients throughout the assigned unit or program. Conduct and accurately document patient safety rounds, including 15-minute/Q15 observations as required. Observe patients for changes in behavior, mood, condition, or safety concerns and promptly report significant findings to nursing or clinical staff. Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and orientation to the program. Assist nursing and therapy staff with the daily operation and management of the unit. Encourage and assist patients with participation in scheduled treatment programs, therapeutic groups, recreational activities, and other structured activities. Provide one-to-one patient observation when assigned or ordered. Assist with management and de-escalation of disruptive, agitated, or potentially unsafe patient behaviors in accordance with facility policies and training. Administer, collect, analyze, and document urine drug screenings when directed and within the scope of the position. Assist with or supervise self-administration of medications when applicable and authorized by facility policy. Document patient observations, behaviors, interventions, activities, and other relevant information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Communicate patient concerns, behavioral changes, incidents, and other relevant information to nurses, therapists, supervisors, and other members of the treatment team. Monitor patient social activities and visitation as directed by nursing or clinical leadership. Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements. Follow all facility safety procedures, behavioral management protocols, and infection-control standards. Participate in required training, staff meetings, and continuing education. Maintain professional and therapeutic boundaries with patients at all times. Perform additional duties as assigned by nursing, clinical, or program leadership. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required. Ability to successfully complete a Level II background screening/fingerprinting . Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record when driving is required for the assigned program. Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental health, behavioral health, and/or substance use disorders. Strong communication, observation, documentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Ability to respond appropriately to behavioral emergencies and crisis situations. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, substance use treatment, residential treatment, or a related healthcare environment. Current BLS/CPR certification. Experience working with patients requiring close observation, Q15 safety checks, or one-to-one supervision. Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. Acute Care BHT Responsibilities For Behavioral Health Technicians assigned to an acute psychiatric setting, additional responsibilities may include obtaining and documenting vital signs, assisting with personal care and hygiene, maintaining constant or one-to-one observations, supporting nursing staff with prescribed treatments, and utilizing approved crisis-intervention, de-escalation, and restraint techniques when necessary.
Pay:
From $23.00 per hour Expected hours: 36.0 per week
