Behavioral Health Technician

A Brief Overview

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct care and support to patients with mental illness, addiction, or behavioral challenges. Working under licensed professionals (RN) they monitor patient behavior, record vital signs, to facilitate and lead activities, and assist with daily care.

What You Will Do

• Milieu Management: Facilitate group activities that are appropriate for the patient population. Assigned to do 1:1 sessions when patient's are not able to be in a group session due to their current mental state, to support a therapeutic milieu. Help support therapeutic behaviors by understanding the difference between patient's diagnosis and the different symptoms they may present with, Help maintain a safe, clean environment.
• Crisis Intervention: Having a working knowledge of severe mental Illness and the various symptoms related to the many Illnesses. The BHT, knowing the different stages of a crisis situation, will use the appropriate de-escalation techniques such as active listening, proper non threatening demeanor to help prevent further escalation of situation and maintain a supportive Milieu.
• Clinical Support: Take vital signs, assist with intake and discharge, document patient findings in the electronic health record. Document group and 1:1 session in the electronic record.
• Patient Monitoring: Perform routine safety checks, observe daily actions, and document mood or behavioral changes.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
• Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.