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Position Details:

Behavioral Health Technician

Full Time - Days

Position Overview

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) plays an essential role in supporting patients on their journey toward improved mental and physical wellness. Working under the direction of a Registered Nurse and in collaboration with an interdisciplinary care team, the BHT provides direct patient care, therapeutic support, safety monitoring, and operational assistance within a behavioral health setting.

This position is responsible for helping create a safe, compassionate, and therapeutic environment while assisting patients with daily living activities, supporting treatment plans, monitoring patient behavior, and promoting positive outcomes. The ideal candidate is compassionate, adaptable, team-oriented, and passionate about serving individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Therapeutic Support

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal care, ambulation, nutrition, and mobility.
• Monitor and document patient behaviors, moods, and physical status, reporting any changes to licensed clinical staff.
• Build therapeutic relationships with patients through effective communication and compassionate support.
• Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges, including orientation and safety procedures.
• Conduct and document vital signs, weights, intake and output, safety rounds, room checks, meals, and group participation.
• Support the implementation of individualized treatment plans and behavioral interventions.
• Work one-on-one with patients to promote safety, emotional well-being, and adherence to safety plans.
• Lead or co-lead therapeutic groups, activities, and community meetings.

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for patients, visitors, and coworkers.
• Respond appropriately during crisis situations utilizing de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication.
• Perform safety rounds and patient observations according to provider orders and organizational policies.
• Assist licensed staff with restraint monitoring and documentation when appropriate.
• Ensure patient belongings are secured and managed according to organizational guidelines.
• Adhere to infection prevention standards, fall precautions, restraint management policies, patient rights regulations, HIPAA requirements, and hospital safety procedures.

Care Coordination & Documentation

• Collaborate with nurses, providers, social workers, and other members of the healthcare team to support patient care goals.
• Accurately document patient observations, interventions, and outcomes within the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Participate in shift handoff communication to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist with treatment plan updates and actively participate in treatment team discussions.
• Support quality improvement initiatives, patient satisfaction efforts, and departmental projects.

Communication & Team Collaboration

• Communicate patient concerns, behavioral changes, and safety risks promptly to the appropriate healthcare team members.
• Provide professional, respectful interactions with patients, families, visitors, and coworkers.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care planning and collaborate to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, and ethical communication practices.

Technology & Operational Support

• Utilize patient care equipment, including vital sign machines, EKG equipment, bladder scanners, and blood glucose monitoring devices.
• Assist with supply inventory, ordering, stocking, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
• Utilize computer systems and the electronic medical record for accurate documentation and communication.
• Support unit operations by ensuring supplies and equipment are readily available and functional.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Serve as a mentor and preceptor for new team members.
• Support orientation and ongoing training activities.
• Assist leadership with process improvement and unit development initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for team growth and participate in educational efforts to improve patient care outcomes.
• Function as a resource and role model for colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

One of the following is required:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related mental health field; OR
• Associate degree plus experience in a behavioral health setting; OR
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in a behavioral health field.

Preferred Experience

• Behavioral Health
• Psychiatric Care
• Direct Support Professional (DSP) experience
• Inpatient or residential mental health experience

Preferred Licensure/Certification

• Relevant behavioral health certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and therapeutic communication abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or crisis situations.
• Strong critical thinking and observation skills.
• Ability to prioritize patient safety and respond appropriately to changing patient needs.
• Commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift, transfer, reposition, and assist patients as needed.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately during patient emergencies and crisis situations.

Why Join Mercy?

At Mercy, we are committed to bringing healing through compassionate care. As a Behavioral Health Technician, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day by supporting patients through some of their most challenging moments while working alongside a team dedicated to exceptional care, service, and clinical excellence.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.