Behavioral Health Technician - Forensic

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits

Paid time off & PTO plans

Tuition assistance and career growth

Well-being programs

Professional development

Job summary

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital - Forensic Unit is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) to support a highly structured, secure unit for patients involved with the legal system. The BHT helps with observation, safety monitoring, vitals, and documentation under RN supervision, ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities include assisting with admissions, 15-minute checks, defining patient needs, and escorting patients to activities.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION: High school degree preferred.
• EXPERIENCE: Previous experience in a psychiatric health care facility, with direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric and geriatric patients preferred.
• CERTIFICATE/LICENSE: CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) within 30 days of employment and prior to any patient contact. Valid driver’s license with favorable MVR; proof of insurance when using personal or hospital vehicle. Must be at least 21 and able to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for observation and maintenance of safe milieu through patient checks, safety monitoring, etc.: completes 15-minute checks, monitors for contraband, evaluates for change in condition, and provides line of sight or one on one care as directed.
• Adheres to tasks delegated by the RN related to the care of the patients including, but not limited to vital signs, specimen collection, documentation, group education, and patient monitoring.
• Demonstrates effective milieu management skills, which promote positive patient experiences.
• Accompanies patients to off unit activities, i.e. meals, outside breaks, off unit visits, out-of-building activities and appointments
• Responsible for reporting to all changes, medical or psychiatric, to RN.
• Assists with the admission process to include belongings inventory, visitation to unit, vital signs, and other duties as delegated.

Skills

Observation

Safety monitoring

Documentation

Vital signs

Patient assistance

Education

High school degree

Job description

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital - Forensic Unit

Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Job Type: PRN (As needed)

This is a Union Position

Your experience matters

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being, so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More about our team

The Forensic Unit at Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital provides specialized inpatient behavioral health services for individuals involved with the legal or criminal justice system who require psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and treatment. This highly structured and secure environment is designed to support patients with complex mental health needs through evidence-based therapies, medication management, individualized treatment planning, and interdisciplinary care. The team is committed to promoting recovery, enhancing coping skills, and preparing patients for the next level of care while maintaining a strong focus on safety, therapeutic engagement, and compassionate, patient-centered treatment.

How you'll contribute

A Behavioral Health Technician who excels in this role:

• Responsible for observation and maintenance of safe milieu through patient checks, safety monitoring, etc.: completes 15-minute checks, monitors for contraband, evaluates for change in condition, and provides line of sight or one on one care as directed.
• Adheres to tasks delegated by the RN related to the care of the patients including, but not limited to vital signs, specimen collection, documentation, group education, and patient monitoring.
• Demonstrates effective milieu management skills, which promote positive patient experiences.
• Accompanies patients to off unit activities, i.e. meals, outside breaks, off unit visits, out-of-building activities and appointments
• Responsible for reporting to all changes, medical or psychiatric, to RN.
• Assists with the admission process to include belongings inventory, visitation to unit, vital signs, and other duties as delegated.

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits:Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO:Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth:Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well-being:Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development:Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What we're looking for

EDUCATION:

• High school degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in a psychiatric health care facility, with direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric and geriatric patients preferred.

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE:

• Will require valid driver's license and a favorable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), along with proof of insurance when using personal or hospital owned vehicle.
• Additional Requirements: CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) within 30 days of employment and prior to any patient contact.
• Completion of additional age specific training within 30 days of employment as required. Must be at least 21 years of age. May be required to work flexible hours and overtime. Where applicable, must obtain and maintain agency affiliation.

More about Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital

At Valley Springs, we are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. Here, you're not just valued as an employee, but as a person.

EEOC Statement

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of color, race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, veterans' status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.