Behavioral Health Technician

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.

Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, and in accordance with established policies, procedures, guidelines, and patient care plans, the Behavioral Health Technician performs a variety of direct patient care activities for patients with addiction, behavioral problems, or mental health conditions. This role is essential in providing compassionate, therapeutic support while maintaining a safe and structured environment that promotes patient recovery and wellbeing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct patient care activities including assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), personal hygiene, grooming, and meal support for patients with addiction, behavioral health issues, or mental health diagnoses.
• Establish and maintain positive, therapeutic interactions with patients by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and genuine concern for their wellbeing and recovery journey.
• Create and maintain a safe, clean, and structured therapeutic environment that supports patient dignity, comfort, and psychological stability while adhering to all safety protocols and infection control standards.
• Monitor and observe patient behavior, mood changes, and emotional responses, documenting observations accurately and timely in patient records and communicating significant changes to the Registered Nurse and treatment team.
• Assist patients with coping strategies, grounding techniques, and de-escalation methods during periods of emotional distress or behavioral challenges in a calm and supportive manner.
• Implement behavioral health interventions as directed by the clinical team, including therapeutic activities, group support facilitation, and recreational programming that promotes patient engagement and recovery.
• Respond promptly to patient requests and concerns, providing reassurance and support while escalating complex issues to nursing staff and management as appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare providers including nurses, physicians, counselors, and social workers to ensure coordinated, quality, and safe patient care.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient interactions, behavioral observations, interventions provided, and patient responses in accordance with facility standards and regulatory requirements.
• Notify the manager and clinical leadership of any significant patient care issues, safety concerns, behavioral incidents, or changes in patient status that may impact treatment planning.
• Assist with patient admissions and discharges, including orientation to the unit, explanation of facility policies, and support during transitions in care.
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance in all patient interactions and communications.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Minimum of one-year college experience in Behavioral Health, Allied Health, Psychology or related field. If no college experience, must have at least one year of Behavioral Health Technician experience or applicable experience such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
• Two or more years of experience as a Behavioral Health Technician in an inpatient psychiatric or addiction medicine setting preferred (depending on location hired).
• Ability to physically manage patients when necessary in a safe and therapeutic manner.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with patients providing comfort, empathy, encouragement, and support.
• Analytical skills necessary to assess patients and gather data relevant to patient care.
• Ability to work in cooperation with other health care providers to provide quality, safe care to patients.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:

• Complete BLS Heartsaver Certification during orientation.
• Maintain active BLS certification.
• Must complete WELLE training within first three months of becoming a Behavioral Health Technician (location specific). Maintain active WELLE certification.