Mental Health Technician- Behavioral Health

Job Description

Job Description

Mental Health Technician (MHT) – Behavioral Health / Mental Health / Addiction Recovery
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Department: Behavioral Medicine
Job Type: Part Time
Schedule: Evening Shift 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, one weekday per week plus every other weekend (16 hours per week)
Starting Pay: $20.25 per hour plus eligible for a 10 percent shift differential

Overview
The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a trusted provider of behavioral health and addiction recovery services in Philadelphia. We deliver evidence based, culturally and spiritually responsive care through inpatient and outpatient programs, helping individuals achieve long term wellness and recovery.

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) to join our Behavioral Medicine team. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting patients with mental health and substance use disorders in a structured treatment setting.

Important: All new hires must be able to attend a mandatory 5 day orientation Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM before starting their schedule. Attendance is required for employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, observation, and recovery support for patients in psychiatric and behavioral health units
• Monitor patient behavior, mood, and physical condition, reporting significant changes promptly
• Document all observations, interventions, and activities in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Lead or assist in therapeutic, psychoeducational, and recovery-based groups
• Conduct routine safety rounds and participate in crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed
• Support patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including meals, hygiene, and mobility assistance
• Assist nursing and clinical staff with maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment
• Promote trauma informed, patient centered care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality standards, hospital policies, and regulatory guidelines

Qualifications

Education
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Coursework or degree in Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred

Experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience in behavioral health, mental health, detox, or substance use treatment required
• Experience working with dual diagnosis populations strongly preferred

Certifications
• CPR certification required and must be from a hands-on course
• Online only CPR certifications are not accepted
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification preferred or ability to complete upon hire

Skills
• Strong communication, observation, and documentation skills
• Ability to manage crisis situations and utilize de-escalation techniques effectively
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Commitment to maintaining professionalism and therapeutic boundaries

Work Environment

• Frequent walking, standing, and interaction with patients in high acuity behavioral health units
• May involve assisting with crisis response or physical interventions
• Exposure to individuals experiencing psychiatric crisis, trauma, or substance withdrawal

Pre Employment and Workplace Policy
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, verification of employment , and drug screening. The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a Drug Free Workplace, and all employees are expected to comply with workplace policies and standards of conduct.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Behavioral Wellness Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE M F D V). We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.