Full Time Mental Health LPN

Job Description
Job Description Job Description: LPN Behavioral Health Technician (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
Hourly: $22 – $32 / hour — depending on experience, facility, shift differentials, and behavioral health responsibilities.
Position Title: LPN – Behavioral Health Technician
Department: Behavioral Health / Psychiatry Services
Location: Palm Harbor
Reports To: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner / Clinical Supervisor
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The LPN Behavioral Health Technician plays a key role in supporting integrated behavioral health services within skilled nursing facilities. This position is responsible for conducting standardized behavioral health assessments—including PHQ-9, BIMS, and other screenings—to support accurate diagnosis, regulatory compliance, and person-centered care planning for residents. The LPN works closely with psychiatric providers, facility nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to optimize quality outcomes and ensure timely behavioral health support.
Key Responsibilities
Behavioral Health Screening & Assessment
Administer PHQ-9, BIMS, and other approved mental health and cognitive screenings for assigned residents.
Document assessment findings accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record.
Identify changes in condition and escalate concerns to the psychiatric provider or facility nursing team.
Clinical Support
Assist psychiatric providers by gathering resident history, current symptoms, and behavioral observations prior to evaluations.
Support follow-up care by monitoring residents for medication effects, mood changes, or acute behavioral needs.
Participate in care planning discussions and interdisciplinary meetings as needed.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
Ensure screenings are completed within regulatory timelines (MDS, PPS, admission/readmission cycles).
Maintain consistent documentation that meets state, federal, and facility compliance standards.
Assist in quality initiatives related to behavioral health integration, depression reduction, and cognitive monitoring.
Facility & Provider Support
Serve as a behavioral health liaison between the psychiatric team and facility staff.
Educate facility staff on the purpose and importance of mental health screenings when appropriate.
Support smooth coordination of psychiatric caseloads and resident scheduling.
Qualifications
Active LPN License (State of employment; in good standing).
Experience in skilled nursing, geriatrics, behavioral health, or mental health preferred.
Strong communication, assessment, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced facility environment.
Professional, compassionate, and patient-centered approach to care.
Competencies
Knowledge of geriatric mental health and cognitive disorders.
Familiarity with PHQ-9, BIMS, and other screening tools (training provided).
Ability to recognize behavioral changes and escalate appropriately.
Strong rapport-building skills with residents, families, and facility teams.
Detail-oriented with a focus on compliance and quality outcomes.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to stand/walk for extended periods within the facility.
Ability to interact with elderly residents with varying cognitive and functional levels.
Why This Role Matters
This position is essential in helping skilled nursing facilities meet regulatory requirements, enhance early identification of behavioral health needs, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and support overall resident well-being through integrated psychiatric care.