Behavorial Health Technician - Acute

University of Rochester; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Highland Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician - Acute to work under the supervision of a licensed nurse in a multidisciplinary team. You will monitor patients, assist with daily living activities, and respond in crisis situations while maintaining a safe, supportive environment.

The role includes taking vital signs, documenting observations, applying de-escalation techniques, and facilitating educational groups to support treatment goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months or more experience with the population preferred.
• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and treatment modalities preferred.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required or training provided on hire.

Responsibilities

• Ensure patient safety and provide a structured, supportive environment.
• Assist with activities of daily living and basic care.
• Conduct safety checks and monitor patient supervision.
• Record vital signs and report changes to the clinical team.
• Engage patients in educational and rehabilitative groups.
• Assist with incident reporting and patient transfer as needed.

Skills

De-escalation

Vital signs

Interpersonal skills

Observational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Behavorial Health Technician - Acute | Highland Hospital | Charleston, West VirginiaAbout the Job:PURPOSE STATEMENT:The Behavioral Health Associate I works under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse as an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team and is responsible for monitoring and reporting of patient behaviors; providing continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling; assisting in patient data collection, recording, and maintenance; and responding in crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed.Roles and Responsibilities:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Ensures the wellbeing of patients and provides a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment, under direction of charge nurse or supervisor. Maintains a constant awareness and supervision of patients.Assists clients with activities of daily living, such as toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.Conducts safety checks, ensuring that supervision is conducted at intervals in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines.Checks patients for contraband and manages the patient’s valuables and belongings.Interacts routinely with patients, observes behaviors and communicates significant observations to supervisor.Engages with patient in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.Facilitates patient educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including social skills, coping skills and independent living skills.Takes and records vital signs properly and communicates significant changes in patient’s condition to the clinical team.Charts in patient records timely, accurately, and appropriately.Applies de-escalation techniques to help manage patient’s emotions, behavior and participation in treatment and assists with seclusion and restraints when necessary.Assists with unit cleaning, organization of new admits charts, discharge process, filing, etc. Initiates patient/employee incident reports.Provides transfer or transportation for patients or coordinates transportation with appropriate staff members as required.Receives report from previous shift to utilize information in planning shifts; give accurate and thorough report to oncoming shift.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:High school graduate or equivalent required.Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.Knowledge of common psychiatric disorders and/or dual diagnosis and various treatment modalities of the population served preferred.LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.WORK LOCATION:This position is onsite and is not a remote position.SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:This position is an Individual Contributor.Why Highland Hospital?Highland Hospital offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Highland Hospital is an EOE.Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.