Behavioral Health Technician Full Time Nights

Oceans Healthcare; Kentwood (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Daily pay

PTO

Competitive compensation

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Oceans Behavioral Hospital seeks a Behavioral Health Technician to support nursing staff in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and related conditions. You will help maintain a therapeutic milieu under supervision, document observations, and participate in routine care activities.

The role emphasizes safety, de-escalation, infection control and communication with the care team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred, depending on state requirements.
• Current CNA certification or 6 months bedside care experience preferred.
• Must be able to read, write and follow verbal and written instruction.
• Strong verbal and written communication; works well with diverse populations.
• Must complete Basic Life Support (BLS) and Oceans approved de-escalation program.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and support unit rule compliance.
• Apply de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Inventory patient belongings and secure contraband; perform safety checks.
• Follow infection control policies and attend required in-services.
• Assist with vital signs, weights, ADL, nutrition monitoring; report to nurse.
• Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom, and mobility needs.
• Individualize care for age, disability, and cultural needs.
• Document patient observations, nutrition, weights, vitals, and outputs.
• Communicate task outcomes and follow-ups to nursing staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Reading & Writing

Communication skills

Diversity & cultural sensitivity

Integrity & professionalism

BLS certification

Patient care support

Education

High school diploma or GED

CNA certification

6 months patient care experience

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.

Benefits We Offer

• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage (Multiple Plan Options) - Eligible first of the month after 30 days.
• 401 (k) Retirement Savings Plan with Discretionary Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Daily Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Competitive Market Compensation
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

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

• Continually monitors and supports compliance within unit rules.
• 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, nutritional monitoring and communicates findings to the nurse.
• 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 related to behavior and location and date effectively. Includes accurate documentation of nutritional intake, weights, liquid intake, vital signs, and output appropriately on the observation form.
• 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 diploma or equivalent ("e.g., GED") preferred, but not required, unless hired in the following states after January 1, 2026: Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania or as required by the state regulations.
• Current CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting preferred.

Skills / Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write and follow verbal and written instruction.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must work well with diverse populations.
• Must be able to 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 Basic Life Savings (BLS) course and an Oceans approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Work Environment

Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be high paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. This person might sometimes experience disagreeable odors, sights and/or unpredictable patient behavior. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.