Behavioral Health Tech

Community Health Systems; Key West (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Community Health Systems is hiring a Behavioral Health Technician in Key West, FL. This role provides essential direct patient care in a behavioral health environment, assisting with treatment plans, monitoring behaviors, and ensuring safety.

The ideal candidate has experience in behavioral health settings and strong skills in crisis intervention and documentation. The position adheres to regulatory standards and promotes compassionate mental health support.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a behavioral health, mental health, or healthcare setting required.
• Experience with patients with psychiatric disorders preferred.
• Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care in a behavioral health setting.
• Monitors patient behavior and assists with treatment plans.
• Responds to crisis situations and implements safety interventions.

Skills

Understanding of mental health disorders

Crisis intervention techniques

Strong observation and documentation skills

Effective de-escalation skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

0-2 years of experience in a behavioral health setting

Job description

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.

Role: Behavioral Health Tech

Location: Lower Keys Medical Center- Key West, FL

Schedule: PRN- Day Shift 7a-3p

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician provides direct patient care and support in a behavioral health setting, assisting in the implementation of treatment plans, monitoring patient behavior, and ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment. This role works under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals, providing emotional support, crisis intervention, and assistance with daily activities for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders. The Behavioral Health Technician adheres to safety protocols, regulatory standards, and confidentiality guidelines while fostering a compassionate and structured care environment.

Essential Functions

• Provides direct patient care, assisting with daily activities, therapeutic interventions, and monitoring patient behavior, emotional state, and safety needs (every 15 minutes).
• Observes, documents, and reports patient behaviors, responses to interventions, and any changes in mental or physical status to the healthcare team.
• Assists in implementing individualized treatment plans under the direction of behavioral health professionals, ensuring compliance with prescribed therapies and interventions.
• Engages patients in structured activities and therapeutic programming, encouraging participation in group discussions, skill-building exercises, and coping strategies.
• Responds effectively to crisis situations, de-escalating conflicts and implementing safety interventions in accordance with facility protocols.
• Ensures a safe and therapeutic environment by following established safety procedures, conducting room checks, and preventing elopement or self-harm incidents.
• Assists with vital signs monitoring, specimen collection, and documentation of clinical data as required by facility guidelines.
• Collaborates with nurses, therapists, and other healthcare providers to support patient progress and address behavioral or medical concerns.
• Adheres to HIPAA, patient confidentiality, and professional boundaries, ensuring respectful and ethical interactions with all individuals.
• Educates patients on healthy coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and daily living skills to promote recovery and independence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a behavioral health, mental health, or healthcare setting required
• Experience working with patients with psychiatric disorders, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of mental health disorders, crisis intervention techniques, and therapeutic approaches.
• Strong observation and documentation skills to accurately report patient behavior and responses to interventions.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations, using effective de-escalation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage, motivate, and support individuals with behavioral health needs.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, infection control practices, and patient rights regulations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Licenses and Certifications

• De-escalation training certification within 30 days of hire required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support obtained within 30 days of hire required
• Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) preferred