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General Purpose of Job:

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supports the care and treatment of individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges such as substance use disorders, PTSD, trauma, and mental or emotional instability. This position works directly with patients and their families in the hospital and will also assist licensed clinicians with implementing therapeutic interventions, ensures a safe environment, and supports patients through crisis stabilization, coping skill development, and daily therapeutic activities. The BHT also collaborates with caregivers and the interdisciplinary team to promote quality patient care. This role requires professionalism, strong communication, and compassion in all patients, family, and staff interactions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Patient Care & Safety

Provide direct observation, support, and engagement with patients experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric distress.

Assist in monitoring patient behavior, mood, and safety risks, reporting concerns to clinical or nursing leadership.

Implement safety protocols including de-escalation techniques, suicide precautions, and elopement prevention.

Support clinicians in crisis intervention and assist during behavioral emergencies under supervisor direction.

Therapeutic Support

Lead or co-facilitate age-appropriate therapeutic, play-based, or skills-based groups as assigned.

Reinforce coping strategies, behavior plans, and treatment goals established by licensed clinicians.

Support patients with ADLs as needed (e.g., hygiene, meals, activities, transitions).

Documentation & Communication

Accurately document patient observations, behaviors, interventions, and safety checks in the medical record.

Communicate changes in patient status promptly to the interdisciplinary team.

Participate in shift huddles, treatment team meetings, and care coordination discussions.

Family & Caregiver Support

Provide supportive engagement to families, helping them understand the unit processes, patient routines, and coping strategies.

Model trauma-informed interactions and promote positive, safe behaviors.

Environment of Care

Maintain a therapeutic, clean, and safe patient environment.

Monitor the environment for triggers, conflict, and safety hazards, intervening or escalating as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Understanding of trauma-informed care, behavioral health principles, and child/adolescent development.

Ability to recognize behavioral cues, escalating behaviors, and potential safety risks.

Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport with diverse patients and families.

Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate during crisis situations.

Basic computer literacy for documentation and EMR use.

Physical ability to safely support patients during behavioral interventions.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Fast-paced behavioral health, emergency, and/or inpatient unit.

Frequent standing, walking, and engagement in therapeutic play/activities.

Possible exposure to high-stress situations and behavioral outbursts.

May require participation in approved physical management techniques during behavioral escalations.

Additional Preferred Competencies (Optional)

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Experience with neurodivergent populations (ASD, ADHD).

Familiarity with sensory tools and regulation strategies.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, child development, or related field preferred.

Experience

Experience working with children, teens, or individuals with mental/behavioral health needs strongly preferred.

Experience in inpatient behavioral health, emergency department, residential treatment, social services, medical care or similar setting is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations.

Current BLS/CPR certification required (or obtained within 30 days of hire).

Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) or equivalent preferred.

Workplace Violene Prevention training required within 60–90 days of hire.