Behavioral Health Technician Full Time Days

Oceans Healthcare; Kentwood (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Louisiana is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) to support nursing staff and help maintain a therapeutic milieu for patients with depression, anxiety, dementia-related behaviors, and substance use concerns.

The role requires CNA certification or equivalent bedside care experience, plus CPR and de-escalation training, with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent with CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting is required.
• Must be able to read, write and follow verbal and written instruction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must work well with diverse populations.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Responsibilities

• Assist nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu and patient care activities.
• Perform vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, and communicate findings to the nurse.
• Ensure patient safety and adherence to infection control policies.
• Document patient observations and changes in condition accurately and timely.
• Assist patients with daily living activities and mobility as needed.

Skills

Reading & Writing

Communication skills

De-escalation techniques

CPR certification

Empathy / patient care

Education

CNA certification

High school diploma

Job description

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital, we understand the importance of turning to someone you can trust with your behavioral health needs. We are passionate about helping individuals experiencing depression; anxiety; schizophrenia; behavioral changes related to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, medication management or substance abuse; and other mental health issues.

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supports the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the BHT's training and experience. The BHT will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures and performance improvement standards.

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures and abide by federal, state and local requirements, as well as Joint Commission standards.
• Effectively applies supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior. Demonstrates the ability to employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Inventories patient belongings accurately and secures contraband as needed; completes unit safety checks.
• Complies with standard/universal precautions and infection control policies and attends required in-services to keep self-informed.
• Implements patient care activities under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing personnel; performs vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, nutritional monitoring and communicates findings to the nurse. Ensuring patients or residents receive appropriate diet by reviewing their dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences.
• Assists patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions and maintaining of belongings; assists at risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs as needed.
• Individualizes all patient care activities to the age specific, disability, cultural sensitivity needs of the patient.
• Communicates and documents patient observation and date effectively in the patient record.; documents patient’s departure from unit (i.e. for passes, transport to doctor’s appointment, community meetings) with 100% accuracy and within defined time lines; documents significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and patient observation findings on assigned patients as requested by the registered nurse, with 100% accuracy and within defined time lines.
• Communicates outcome of assigned tasks to nursing staff in a timely manner; Communicates follow-up on patient care responsibilities; incomplete assignments, ongoing activities and current patient needs to relevant staff to assure continuality of care.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Education / Experience:

High school graduate or equivalent with CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting is required.

Skills / Qualifications:

Must be able to read, write and follow verbal and written instruction. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must work well with diverse populations. Must utilize Age, Disability and Cultural Specific knowledge in working with specialized populations to best communicate with those clients. Must be in good physical and mental health as evidenced by a warm empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, worth and potentiality of clients and hold a high sense of personal integrity. Must be able to work under close supervision. Must successfully complete CPR certification and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.