Behavioral Health Technician

Job Summary:

The Behavioral Health Technician is responsible for providing 1:1 first response treatment intervention, de-escalation and support services to patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis in the Emergency or Crisis Stabilization Department. This position works as a part of a multi-disciplinary team within the Emergency Department, under the direction of clinical or nursing leadership. This position helps to create and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment for those experiencing behavioral health crises or who are actively impaired by substances.

This position is distinguished from the Behavioral Health Assistants in that incumbents are the initial first contact with incoming patients to the Emergency Department with active behavioral issues occurring. In addition, this position remains with the patient, providing treatment intervention from triage until discharge or hospital admission. Behavioral Health Technicians may work directly with patients who have already been assessed, obtained medication to manage behavior, and/or have begun a treatment plan in addition to patients who haven’t established behavioral health services. In addition, Behavioral Health Technicians must have an advanced level of understanding of symptoms associated with mental Illness, addiction, and impacts of medications including effects on dual diagnosis patients. Incumbents provide and document these services provided based on the initial assessment of these factors in addition to assessing patient/ED staff safety in the moment.

Minimum Qualifications for the Job:

• Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent
  • Preferred Education: Degree from accredited college or university in social work, recreational therapy, psychology, human services, or appropriate therapeutic discipline preferred.
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience providing behavioral health services.
  • Substitution: one year of experience as a Behavioral Health Assistant I at BRH may substitute for the required experience.
  • Or 30 credits of Post-secondary education in human services, behavioral health, social work or a related field may substitute for the required experience.
  • Preferred Experience: Crises or therapeutic intervention for patients experiencing behavioral health crises is highly desired.
• Additional Requirements: TEAM/BERT and First Aid within thirty (30) days of hire.

Practice Notice: To ensure our hospital provides the safest environment for our patients and staff, all newly hired employees must provide evidence of being fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. If you are interested in becoming vaccinated, are partially vaccinated, or would like to request an exemption for religious or medical reasons, please contact the Human Resources Office for more information.

Practice Notice: All new employees are required to produce a negative drug screen prior to start of employment.