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 provides direct patient care to individuals with addiction, behavioral health concerns, and mental health conditions. You will create a safe, supportive environment that promotes patient wellbeing while maintaining therapeutic interactions. You will communicate significant patient care issues to your manager promptly.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor vital signs, assist with activities of daily living, and maintain patient hygiene and comfort
• Observe, document, and report patient behavior, mood, and mental status according to established protocols
• Implement de-escalation techniques and therapeutic interventions to ensure patient safety using proper body mechanics
• Provide empathetic communication and emotional support to patients
• Collaborate with nurses and clinicians to deliver coordinated, quality patient care
• Report significant changes in patient condition or behavioral concerns to the Registered Nurse or manager immediately
• Adhere to all facility policies, procedures, and patient care guidelines

Qualifications

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QUALIFICATIONS

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**Education Required:**

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

**Experience Required:**

• Minimum of one year of college experience in Behavioral Health, Allied Health, Psychology, or related field, OR
• Minimum of one year of Behavioral Health Technician experience or applicable experience such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Ability to physically manage patients when necessary in a safe and therapeutic manner

**Experience Preferred:**

• Two or more years of experience as a Behavioral Health Technician in an inpatient psychiatric or addiction medicine setting (location dependent)

**Certifications/Licensures Required:**

• Complete BLS Heartsaver Certification during orientation and maintain active certification
• Complete WELLE training within first three months of employment (location specific) and maintain active certification

**Required Skills & Competencies:**

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, providing comfort, empathy, encouragement, and support
• Analytical skills to assess patients and gather data relevant to patient care
• Ability to collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver quality, safe patient care
• Ability to work under the direction of a Registered Nurse in accordance with established policies, procedures, and guidelines