Associate Behavioral Health Technician - Psychiatric Emergency Department

Overview: Join a compassionate team as an Associate Behavioral Health Technician in a busy Psychiatric Emergency Department located in the Southeastern United States. This full-time day position involves providing essential patient care, observation, and emotional support under nursing supervision.

Key Responsibilities: Perform routine patient care duties including monitoring and documenting changes in patient condition, obtaining vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, and facilitating therapeutic groups. Support safety by conducting contraband searches and managing patient belongings. Utilize crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques effectively to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. Serve as a valuable resource for medical, nursing, security staff, and fellow behavioral health technicians. Additional duties as assigned.

Education and Training: High school diploma required. An associate or bachelor's degree in psychology or social work is preferred. Certified Nursing Assistants are also considered. Must hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification must be obtained within 30 days of employment.

Experience: Two years of psychiatric experience is preferred but not mandatory.

Skills and Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Strong customer service orientation and the ability to work competently with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental illness. Basic understanding of age-specific considerations for the patient population served. Must maintain unrestricted Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification after training. General computer proficiency required.

Physical Requirements: Ability to work variable shifts including prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting patients. Visual and auditory acuity necessary for patient observation and documentation. Position may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.