Ada - Behavioral Health Technician - Full Time/Nights

MHM Support Services; Idaho; On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Hospital Ada is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support patients under RN supervision. You will provide direct patient care, monitor safety, and assist with therapeutic activities to foster a healing environment.

The role emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care, collaboration with licensed staff, and accurate documentation in the EMR. Night shifts and weekend coverage may be required to ensure continuous patient support.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Completion of a Nurse Assistant training course preferred.
• Experience in Behavioral Health, psychiatric care, or direct support services is preferred.
• Experience documenting patient observations in medical records is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with ADLs, nutrition, ambulation, hygiene, and comfort needs.
• Take and document vital signs, weights, intake/output, meal participation, safety rounds, and room checks.
• Observe patient behaviors, mood changes, and overall condition, reporting concerns to the RN.
• Support admissions, discharges, and transfers, including managing patient belongings.
• Promote a safe environment through infection prevention and safety policy adherence.
• Assist during crisis situations using therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication skills

De-escalation

Compassionate care

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Nurse Assistant training preferred

Job description

Position Details

Location: Mercy Hospital Ada Schedule: Full-Time, Nights, 7p to 7a Shift: Three 12-hour shifts per week

Overview

As a Behavioral Health Technician, you will play an important role in supporting patients on their journey toward improved mental and physical wellness. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, you will provide direct patient care, monitor patient safety, assist with therapeutic activities, and help create a supportive and healing environment. This role is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, patient-focused, and interested in behavioral health, psychiatric care, or direct support services.

What You’ll Do

Patient Care & Safety

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), nutrition, ambulation, hygiene, and comfort needs.
• Take and document vital signs, weights, intake/output, meal participation, safety rounds, and room checks.
• Observe patient behaviors, mood changes, and overall condition, reporting concerns promptly to the Registered Nurse.
• Support admissions, discharges, and transfers, including management of patient belongings.
• Promote a safe environment through infection prevention practices and adherence to safety policies.
• Assist during crisis situations using therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques.
• Support patients with safety planning and reinforcement of established treatment interventions.

Therapeutic Support

• Build rapport with patients using compassionate and therapeutic communication.
• Lead or co-lead group activities and community meetings.
• Encourage patient participation in treatment plans and unit activities.
• Help establish appropriate boundaries while providing emotional support and encouragement.

Documentation & Coordination

• Accurately document patient observations and care activities in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Participate in shift handoff and communicate patient updates to the healthcare team.
• Coordinate care activities with licensed staff to support treatment goals.
• Assist with quality improvement initiatives and patient care processes.

Unit Support

• Perform clerical and operational duties including answering phones, responding to call lights, monitoring safety alerts, and maintaining patient charts.
• Utilize equipment such as vital signs machines, blood glucose monitors, and EKG equipment.
• Maintain supplies necessary for daily patient care activities.

Qualifications Preferred

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a Nurse Assistant training course preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Behavioral Health
• Psychiatric Care
• Direct Support Professional (DSP)
• Patient Care Technician
• Nursing Assistant experience

Skills & Attributes

• Strong observation and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and patient privacy.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent hand coordination and data entry.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds from floor to waist and exert up to 40 pounds of force when required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist patients throughout assigned shifts.

Why Mercy?

At Mercy, we are committed to bringing compassionate care and exceptional service to every patient. Team members are expected to perform their responsibilities in a manner consistent with Mercy's mission, values, and service standards while creating a safe and healing environment for those we serve.

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.

Transforming the Health of Our Communities

Our Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But our heritage goes back more than 195 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who was determined to help women and children in Dublin experiencing poverty. Though Catherine had a modest upbringing, she received an unexpected inheritance that allowed her to fulfill that dream. In 1827, she opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to women and educate children. Many volunteers came to help. A few years later, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, one of the first religious orders whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. In 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States. In 1856, they traveled to St. Louis. In the years to come, they would establish hospitals throughout the Midwest. Many of these would join together in 1986 as Mercy.