Behavioral Health Technician

Socket.dev; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradford Health Services in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support individuals with mental health challenges. The role involves hands-on patient care, crisis response, clinical documentation, and collaboration with clinical teams to implement discharge plans and ensure patient safety.

The position emphasizes compassionate care within a structured environment, focusing on progress toward recovery and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in mental health settings, including crisis management and patient care.
• Knowledge of clinical documentation standards and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Basic understanding of mental health disorders and crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate clearly with patients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting clinical assessments and monitoring patient behavior to identify changes in mental health status.
• Provide direct patient care and support, including crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques during behavioral emergencies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed clinical documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, and discharge plans.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized treatment and discharge plans.
• Ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for patients with serious emotional disturbances (SED) by following established protocols and guidelines.

Skills

Crisis management

Clinical documentation

Communication with patients and staff

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems

Job description

About Company:

We’re officially a Great Place To Work®! We’ve always believed that supporting our team is just as important as supporting our patients. Now, we’re proud to share that we’ve earned Great Place To Work® Certification - based entirely on feedback from our own employees.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/YQ1C50WuRH1

This certification reflects the culture we’ve worked hard to build - one rooted in trust, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership.

At Bradford Health Services, we are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients while fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace for our employees. We believe that taking care of our team allows them to take better care of others, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being.

Our benefits include:

• Medical Coverage – Three new BCBSAL medical plans with better rates, improved co-pays, and enhanced prescription benefits.
• Expanded Coverage – Options for domestic partners and a wider network of in-network providers.
• Mental Health Support – Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) featuring digital wellness tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modules and wellness coaching.
• Voluntary Coverages – Pet insurance, home and auto insurance, family legal services, and more.
• Student Loan Repayment – Available for nurses and therapists.
• Retirement Benefits – 401(k) plan through Voya to help employees plan for the future.
• Generous PTO – A robust paid time off policy to support work-life balance.
• Voluntary Benefits for Part-Time Employees – Dental, vision, life, accident insurance, and telehealth options for those working 20 hours or more per week.

At Bradford Health Services, we don’t just invest in our patients—we invest in our people.

About the Role:

The Behavioral Health Technician plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges by providing compassionate, hands-on care and assistance. This position involves working closely with clinical teams to implement treatment plans, conduct clinical assessments, and respond effectively to crisis situations. The technician ensures accurate and timely clinical documentation to support patient care continuity and regulatory compliance. They contribute to the development and execution of discharge plans, facilitating smooth transitions for patients returning to their communities or other care settings. Ultimately, the role aims to promote patient safety, emotional stability, and progress toward recovery within a structured and supportive environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience in mental health or behavioral health settings, including crisis management and patient care.
• Knowledge of clinical documentation standards and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Basic understanding of mental health disorders and crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate clearly with patients and staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician or equivalent credential.
• Experience working with children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances (SED).
• Training in trauma-informed care and de‑s‑calation strategies.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Additional coursework or certification in clinical assessments or discharge planning.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in conducting clinical assessments and monitoring patient behavior to identify changes in mental health status.
• Provide direct patient care and support, including crisis intervention and de‑s‑calation techniques during behavioral emergencies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed clinical documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, and discharge plans.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized treatment and discharge plans.
• Ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for patients with serious emotional disturbances (SED) by following established protocols and guidelines.

Skills:

The required skills such as clinical documentation and maintaining accurate records are essential for ensuring continuity of care and meeting regulatory requirements. Crisis management and crisis intervention skills are applied daily to respond promptly and effectively to behavioral emergencies, ensuring patient and staff safety. Clinical assessments enable the technician to monitor patient progress and communicate changes to the clinical team, supporting informed treatment decisions. Knowledge of mental health conditions and patient care techniques allows the technician to provide empathetic and appropriate support tailored to individual needs. Preferred skills like familiarity with electronic health records and trauma-informed care enhance the technician’s ability to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care in a dynamic clinical environment.