PRN Behavioral Health Tech — Patient Care & Crisis Support

Community Health Systems; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Job summary

Community Health Systems in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to provide direct patient care in a behavioral health setting, assist in implementing treatment plans, monitor patient behavior, and help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment under licensed professionals.

You will engage patients in activities, document observations, respond to crises, support care teams, and uphold HIPAA and patient rights. The role emphasizes compassion, teamwork, and reliable attendance.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a behavioral health, mental health, or healthcare setting.
• Experience working with patients with psychiatric disorders, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care, assisting with daily activities, therapeutic interventions, and monitoring patient behavior, emotional state, and safety needs (every 15 minutes).
• Observes, documents, and reports patient behaviors, responses to interventions, and any changes in mental or physical status to the healthcare team.
• Assists in implementing individualized treatment plans under the direction of behavioral health professionals, ensuring compliance with prescribed therapies and interventions.
• Engages patients in structured activities and therapeutic programming, encouraging participation in group discussions, skill-building exercises, and coping strategies.
• Responds effectively to crisis situations, de-escalating conflicts and implementing safety interventions in accordance with facility protocols.
• Ensures a safe and therapeutic environment by following established safety procedures, conducting room checks, and preventing elopement or self-harm incidents.
• Assists with vital signs monitoring, specimen collection, and documentation of clinical data as required by facility guidelines.
• Collaborates with nurses, therapists, and other healthcare providers to support patient progress and address behavioral or medical concerns.
• Adheres to HIPAA, patient confidentiality, and professional boundaries, ensuring respectful and ethical interactions with all individuals.
• Educates patients on healthy coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and daily living skills to promote recovery and independence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Observation & documentation

De-escalation skills

Patient support

Team collaboration

HIPAA knowledge

Education

De-escalation training (certification)

BCLS certification

CBHT certification (preferred)

Job description

Community Health Systems in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to provide direct patient care in a behavioral health setting, assist in implementing treatment plans, monitor patient behavior, and help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment under licensed professionals.

You will engage patients in activities, document observations, respond to crises, support care teams, and uphold HIPAA and patient rights. The role emphasizes compassion, teamwork, and reliable attendance.