Behavioral Health Technician – Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit

Akron Children's Hospital; Barberton (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Children's Hospital seeks a Behavioral Health Technician I for the inpatient unit, supporting care for children and teens aged 5–17 under RN supervision. The role emphasizes data collection, direct patient care, and therapeutic activities in a fast-paced hospital setting.

The position requires a high school diploma, BLS certification, and up to 2 years of related healthcare experience. It is a full-time, onsite role with 36 hours per week, including day shifts and rotating

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree for counseling, psychology, social work or related degree, or nursing preferred. Associate degree is preferred.
• BLS certification through the American Heart Association is required.
• Years of experience: 0 to 2 years

Responsibilities

• Collects data to support assessment and care plans.
• Provides direct care with RN guidance and hospital policy.
• Facilitates psychoeducational and therapeutic activity groups.
• Documents in the medical record according to policy.
• Encourages activities of daily living and independence.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Communicates with the treatment team about observations.
• Manage crisis situations using positive approaches.
• Performs safety rounds and reports unsafe conditions.
• Assists with patient restraints as per protocol.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teams

Documentation software

Healthcare experience

Education

High School Diploma

Undergraduate degree preferred

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Full – Time: 36 Hours Per Week

1st Shift: 7am -7:30pm
3 12-Hours Shifts
Monday – Friday w/Rotating Weekends/Holidays
Department: Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit

Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician I, under the direction and delegation of a registered nurse, supports and assists in the care and treatment of children and adolescents, age 5-17, admitted to the inpatient behavioral health unit or emergency department.

Responsibilities

1. Collects data and contributes to the assessment, planning, intervening and evaluation of individualized care and plan of care for assigned patients. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care for the physical, psychological, social, educational, and safety needs of the patients served regardless of age.
2. Provides direct care to patients according to Hospital policy and procedure as delegated, and as a team, with licensed RNs. Assists the nurse and other direct care staff in the provision of physical care and clinical intervention as assessed by client needs.
3. Facilitate or co‑facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic activity groups effectively. Plan and participate in educational, social and recreational activities for individuals and groups of patients in accordance with treatment plan goals.
4. Documents in the medical record according to established policies.
5. Encourages patients to perform or assists them in the performance of activities of daily living.
6. Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment. Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
7. Maintains on‑going communication with the treatment team and charge nurse regarding observations of patients’ medical and behavioral symptoms and the care provided. Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
8. Manage crisis situations effectively using positive approaches.
9. Takes initiative to ensure that unit environment is maintained. Provides instruction to patients and their families under the direction of the RN. May apply, monitor and remove patient restraints as per physician or hospital protocol.
10. Demonstrate understanding of cultural diversity.
11. Conduct proactive safety rounds throughout the units, monitoring the milieu. Conduct Environmental Safety Rounds each shift and document/report any unsafe conditions as well as any security violations. Monitor visiting hour activity assuring no visiting takes place in patient rooms, no contraband is passed off by visitors to patients, and milieu remains calm.
12. Other duties as required.

Other information

Technical Expertise

1. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
2. Proficiency in computerized documentation is preferred.
3. Experience in healthcare is preferred.

Education and Experience

1. Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Current enrollment in an undergraduate degree for counseling, psychology, social work or related degree, or nursing preferred. Associate degree is preferred.
2. Certification: BLS certification through the American Heart Association is required.
3. Years of experience: 0 to 2 years’ experience
4. Years of experience supervising: None

Full Time

FTE: 0.900000

Status: Onsite