Behavioral Health Technician / Mental Therapy Aide [Syracuse, NY] - MTA 26-11474

Job Description

Job Description

Behavioral Health Technician / Mental Therapy Aide

Job Category: Psychiatric & Mental Health / Behavioral Health
Location: Syracuse, NY
Duration: 13 Weeks
Employment Type: Contract / Long-Term
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Schedule

• 4 shifts per week
• 2 × 12-hour shifts: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• 2 × 8-hour shifts: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Approximately 40 hours per week
• Every weekend is required
• Occasional extended hours may be required to provide staffing relief when necessary.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced  Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) / Mental Therapy Aide to provide direct and indirect patient care in a psychiatric and behavioral health setting.

The ideal candidate will have recent experience working with psychiatric patients and demonstrate strong communication, organization, and crisis-management skills. The candidate must be comfortable working with patients who may present with complex behavioral, developmental, and safety needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect patient care under nursing supervision.
• Obtain and accurately document patient vital signs.
• Complete required patient admission documentation.
• Assist with appropriate physical examinations.
• Collect, handle, and transport patient specimens as required.
• Monitor and document patient intake and output.
• Transport patients as needed.
• Orient new patients to unit regulations, routines, and expectations.
• Assist patients with hygiene and activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Communicate relevant patient information to nursing staff accurately and promptly.
• Develop therapeutic relationships with patients under nursing supervision.
• Interact therapeutically with patients during structured and recreational activities.
• Respond appropriately and intervene on behalf of patients during crisis situations.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment.
• Apply appropriate clinical and psychological interventions based on patient age and developmental level.
• Perform required patient safety checks during assigned shifts.
• Assist with additional patient care and unit responsibilities as assigned.

Patient Population

The position may involve working with:

• Psychiatric and behavioral health patients.
• Patients with developmental disabilities.
• Patients exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
• Patients with self-injurious behaviors.
• Patients displaying property-destructive behaviors.
• Nonverbal patients.
• Patients requiring close observation and behavioral support.

Requirements Education & Training

• Behavioral Health Technician / Mental Therapy Aide training or relevant healthcare experience preferred.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology required.

Experience & Skills

• Recent experience working with a  psychiatric patient population within the last 2 years – Preferred .
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and observation skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients.
• Ability to respond appropriately during behavioral emergencies and crisis situations.
• Ability to work effectively with patients experiencing developmental and behavioral challenges.
• Ability to maintain patient safety and follow established clinical and safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively under nursing supervision and as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment health clearance.