Behavioral Health Technician Nights

Phoebe Putney Health System; Albany (GA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, GA is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support inpatient behavioral health services. The role emphasizes direct patient care, observation, vital signs, documentation, and collaboration with nurses and physicians to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Requirements include a High School Diploma or GED, 2-3 years of behavioral health experience preferred, and BLS certification with Phoebe's Crisis Response Training within two months of hire.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2-3 years Behavioral Health Experience preferred.
• One of the following: two years of coursework in psychology/sociology or one year nursing with behavioral health interest or one year in behavioral health/inpatient; or experience in corrections/military/security (required).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; Phoebe's Crisis Response Training within two months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and address patient questions or concerns; alert qualified nurse when needed.
• Assist with morning and evening care such as bathing, hygiene, oral care, shaving, nails.
• Take and record vital signs; assist with reaching and toileting; monitor intake/output.
• Collect specimens and transport to lab as ordered.
• Ambulate and reposition patients; assist with meals and mobility; accompany patients as needed.
• Perform simple treatments and ensure safety checks; manage dressings and comfort measures.
• Observe safety, check environment, monitor for contraband and psychiatric safety.
• Document interactions accurately and timely; communicate with care team.
• Escort patients during discharge or transfers; assist with routine procedures.

Skills

Behavioral Health Experience

Patient Care

Observation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Work Experience

2 - 3 years Behavioral Health Experience (Preferred)

ONE of the following:

• At least two years of course work in psychology, sociology, or other mental health related field.
• At least one year of course work in nursing with a strong interest in behavioral health.
• At least one year of experience working in a behavioral health setting, preferably inpatient.
• At least one year of experience working in corrections, military, security or law enforcement (may include police or security officer experience) (Required)

Licenses and Certifications

Required Certifications/Licensures:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Phoebe's Crisis Response Training within two months of hire date

Preferred Certifications/Licensures:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Mental Health Technician Certification
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)

Essential Functions

BH TECH RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Give care and address questions concerns from patients as needed or alert qualified nurse.
• When necessary, assists with a.m. and p.m. care such as: showering, shampooing hair, oral care, shaving, nail care
• Take and record vital signs. Give bedpans, urinals, assist patients to commode or bathroom. Measure and record intake and output.
• Collect specimens (urine, stool, blood) and send/take them to lab.
• Ambulate patients; exercise, reposition patients, assist patients in and out of chairs and wheelchairs. Transport patients to other areas.
• Perform simple treatments and tests as ordered such as apply and change unsterile pads, dressings, hot/cold compresses, packs; apply ointments; keep patients clean, dry, comfortable, and check safety equipment at regular intervals.
• Checks for contraband and monitors all things necessary for psychiatric safety. Performs environment safety rounds.
• Keep patient rooms neat, clean, orderly.
• Change beds; provide clean linens as often as necessary.
• Replenish patient supplies. Perform emergency housekeeping.
• Run errands for patients and staff. Clean unit kitchen, utility room, storage areas as directed.
• Dispose of soiled linens and waste.
• Store supplies and linens, check for defects and outdating.
• Prepare patients for meals, assist with meals, monitor during meals, assist with menu selection and documentation of percentages consumed. Pass other nourishments throughout the shift.
• Perform admission and discharge duties as directed such as: searches of person and belongings, inventory of belongings, appropriate storage of belongings. Will escort patients when discharged or transferred. Will also accompany patients to other areas of the facility for necessary procedures.
• When necessary, perform 1:1 monitoring.
• Will perform groups such as goals group, wrap-up groups and various other groups.
• Observe patients (physical appearance, attitude, response to medications and treatments, appetite, etc.), record observations and alert nurse to significant observations.
• Assist nurse in preparing body after death.

DOCUMENTATION:

• Documents and submits required information and data in a timely fashion.
• Clearly and accurately documents patient interactions.
• Ensures that documentation is tailored to expected readers / users.
• Uses correct terminology.
• Conforms to required style and format.

Additional Duties

• Adheres to the hospital and departmental attendance and punctuality guidelines.
• Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the core values, mission and vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self education, attends ongoing educational programs).
• Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time.
• Demonstrates competency at all levels in providing care to all patients based on age, sex, weight, and demonstrated needs.
• For non-clinical areas, has attended training and demonstrates usage of age- specific customer service skills.
• Wears protective clothing and equipment as appropriate.