Lead Behavioral Health Tech- 36hr

Connecticut Children's Medical Center; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Connecticut Children's Medical Center is seeking a Lead Behavioral Health Technician (LBHT) who will provide hands-on care to individuals with mental illnesses and/or developmental disabilities. You will observe and interact with patients, oversee behavioral technicians, and maintain a safe therapeutic environment.

The ideal candidate will hold an Associate Degree and have experience in mental health. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities and responding to crisis situations.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree with six months of direct patient or client care.
• High School diploma with three years of experience in a mental health related field.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a shift leader and support teams in patient escalations.
• Collect intake data for all admitted patients and maintain safety.
• Collaborate with nurses for patients at risk of crisis.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills and communications

Stress management and composure

Physical interventions in response to aggressive behavior

Education

Associate Degree or High School diploma with experience

Job description

Job Description

The Lead Behavioral Health Technician (LBHT) is a mental health employee who provides hands‑on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental illnesses and/or developmental disabilities. LBHTs observe, treat, and interact with patients and families, serving as the eyes, ears, and hands of the diagnosing professional. They assist with personal grooming, daily living activities, and educational or recreational therapy when appropriate. LBHTs oversee all behavioral health technicians and plan for high‑risk patients.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a shift leader, supporting teams in patient escalations and managing unit environment.
• Collect intake/admission data for all admitted patients, including inventory of personal belongings.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and communicate patient escalations or risks to the team.
• Collaborate with nurses to develop plans for patients at risk of crisis intervention.
• Maintain boundaries for patients, families, and staff while supporting visitation policies.
• Identify, report, and resolve potential problems in the unit.
• Document incidents, seclusion, and restraints in the Electronic Health Record.
• Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living and obtain vital signs and weights.
• Perform point‑of‑care testing on collected specimens (e.g., blood glucose, venipuncture, urine, pharyngeal swabs).
• Apply and remove physical restraints under medical provider direction.
• Audit violent restraints documentation for accuracy.
• Conduct restraint debriefs using REDCap after restraint episodes.
• Respond to all Crisis Intervention Response Teams and codes, acting as point person during escalations.
• Audit ASQ compliance on Medical Surgical Floors, Pediatric ICU, Integrated Care Unit, and Emergency Department.
• Participate in related committees or groups.

Supervisory Duties (if applicable)

• In collaboration with department managers, oversee, educate, and guide Behavioral Health technicians and other support staff.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Required

• Associate Degree with six months of direct patient or client care.
• Or High School diploma with three years of experience in a mental health related field.

License and/or Certification Required

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR for adults, children, and infants required upon hire.
• Certification in a current de‑escalation program within three months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures.
• Basic medical terminology, mathematics, and measurements.
• Reasons for and techniques to manage aggressive behavior.
• Organizational environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.

Skilled at

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communications
• Stress management and composure
• Blocking and redirecting patient movements against their weight
• Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self‑injurious behavior
• Moving quickly and confidently to intervene when protective holds or movements are necessary

Ability to

• Maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
• Demonstrate competency in basic data entry, collaborative care, safety plans, and documentation in the medical record.
• Work across all levels of the organization.

Connecticut Children’s is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, national orientation, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability.