Behavioral Health Technician

Job Description

Job Description

AVAILABLE POSTIONS FOR DAY, NIGHT, SWING SHIFTS
POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to Director of Nursing or Milieu Manager, the Behavioral Health Technician/BHT, provides patient care in a safe and secure environment, aids with daily living activities, focusing on supportive health and wellness, assisting patients with treatment goals and behavior management.  Overall, monitors and supervises patients at all times indoors and outdoors. 

Essential Duties: 

• Responsible for direct care, guidance, supportive, and protective oversight of patients.
• Provides a welcoming orientation of unit environment.
• Promotes a patient focused approach to care that emphasizes hope, respect, self-direction and empowerment. 
• Participates or conducts living skills or recreational activities, groups as assigned, assist patients with daily task, such as cleaning personal room, common areas or other areas used during recreational or social groups.
• Documents patient interactions as required on the electronic health record, which includes daily case notes, on patients’ progress or regression and phone calls.
• Conducts room searches to prevent unauthorized materials in rooms or any of those entering the property. 
• Inventory, documentation, and storage of all patient property entering the facility.
• Reporting any unusual occurrences or observations regarding patient’s behavioral and physical health immediately to nursing staff, Director of Nursing, and Milieu Manager. 
• Participates in crisis intervention as needed to ensure the patient’s safety and the safety of others throughout the facility.
• Assist with maintaining and ensuring the cleanliness of the assigned unit and all other common areas in the facility. 
• Maintains and completes all training requirements, and certifications as required to remain in compliance.  
• Attends and participates in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Behavioral management during groups.
• Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and assisting in cleanup.
• Facilitate and document scheduled groups.
• Other duties assigned.

Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum of one year BHT experience in a behavioral health field or healthcare setting preferred.
• Alternatively candidates with less than 1 year of experience are required to complete a two week shadow shift with additional trainings and supervision.
• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a Level I NM Fingerprint Clearance Card, and able to pass required clearances and background checks.
• Must be able to display proficient oral and written communication skills. 
• Must have a current negative TB test
• Certification in CPR/First Aid required (provided during orientation training).
• CPI, crisis intervention certification, required (provided during orientation training).
• Food Handlers Certification required (provided during orientation training).
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and document as required to enter patient case notes/data into Electronic Health Record.  
• Bilingual preferred.

Computer Skills:

Ability to utilize a computer as required to enter data into Electronic Health Records and to enter data into a time and attendance system required for payroll processing.  Knowledge of MS Office, email, and TEAMS software.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to respond rapidly to emergencies and behavioral crises.
• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift or assist patients using safe patient handling equipment.
• Emotional resilience and ability to function effectively in a fast-paced behavioral health environment.

Work Environment:

• Acute inpatient psychiatric hospital.
• Exposure to potentially violent or aggressive behaviors.
• Shift-based role, including nights, weekends, and holidays.