Behavioral Health Technician — Full Benefits & Growth

Merit Health Wesley; Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Job summary

Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS seeks a Behavioral Health Technician to provide direct patient care in a behavioral health setting under the supervision of licensed professionals. You will support treatment plans, monitor behavior, and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities include documenting patient status, participating in activities, crisis intervention, and collaboration with nurses and therapists to promote recovery and independence.

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Observation skills

Documentation skills

Crisis de-escalation

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, MS seeks a Behavioral Health Technician to provide direct patient care in a behavioral health setting under the supervision of licensed professionals. You will support treatment plans, monitor behavior, and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities include documenting patient status, participating in activities, crisis intervention, and collaboration with nurses and therapists to promote recovery and independence.