Behavioral Health Technician: Patient Care & Group Activities

Essentia Health; Duluth (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentia Health in Minnesota seeks a healthcare teammate to support patient care under nursing supervision, delivering direct and indirect care across age ranges. The role emphasizes safety, patient activity, and collaboration within a clinical team to meet regulatory and care standards.

The position requires experience or credentials in social services or behavioral health, with a focus on compassionate support and adherence to hospital policies and patient care plans.

Qualifications

• Provides assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of selected technical aspects of patient care under direct supervision to meet regulatory requirements.
• Delivers direct/indirect care for patients supporting needs as directed; duties vary by unit and include hygiene, nutrition, comfort, safe transfers, vital signs and recordkeeping.
• Provides patient activity opportunities aligned with plan of care, individually or in groups.
• Maintains unit safety using approved de-escalation techniques to assist distressed or combative patients.
• Participates in skill-building activities and group facilitation as coordinated by psychotherapy and nursing leaders.

Responsibilities

• Assist with assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care activities under RN supervision.
• Provide direct and indirect patient care, including hygiene, nutrition support, comfort, transfers and vitals.
• Engage patients in age-appropriate activities related to their care plan.
• Maintain patient safety and de-escalate distress as needed.
• Coordinate with care team to support optimal patient outcomes.

Skills

Patient care

Vital signs

De-escalation

Group activities

Education

Degree in social services related field

1 year experience working with people with mental health symptoms

Certified Peer Support Specialist in Minnesota or Wisconsin

Behavioral health internship in degree program

Mental Health Practitioner according to MN Statute 245,462

Job description

Essentia Health in Minnesota seeks a healthcare teammate to support patient care under nursing supervision, delivering direct and indirect care across age ranges. The role emphasizes safety, patient activity, and collaboration within a clinical team to meet regulatory and care standards.

The position requires experience or credentials in social services or behavioral health, with a focus on compassionate support and adherence to hospital policies and patient care plans.