Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) - 3rd Shift
Oceans Healthcare · Reading, PA · 2 wk ago
OTHRFull-time
Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern PA is an 86-bed acute-care Joint Commission Accredited psychiatric hospital that offers care for adults dealing with mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders. We are dedicated to partnering with individuals, families, and communities to improve the lives of patients through the delivery of high-quality, specialty behavioral health services.
Schedule
Full-time, 3rd shift: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM (5-8 hour shifts per week with every-other-weekend rotation).
Pay
Competitive pay rates with shift differentials.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage (multiple plan options) – eligible first of the month after 30 days.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with discretionary company match.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Daily pay.
- Paid time off.
- Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
Responsibilities
- Continually monitor and support compliance within unit rules.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ de-escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
- Inventory patient belongings accurately and secure contraband as needed; complete unit safety checks.
- Comply with standard/universal precautions and infection control policies; attend required in-services to stay informed.
- Implement patient care activities under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing personnel, including vital signs, weights, ADLs, and nutritional monitoring; communicate findings to the nurse.
- Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and maintaining belongings; assist at-risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs as needed.
- Individualize all patient care activities to the age-specific, disability, and cultural sensitivity needs of the patient.
- Communicate and document patient observations related to behavior, location, and date effectively.
- Accurately document nutritional intake, weights, liquid intake, vital signs, and output on the observation form.
- Communicate the outcome of assigned tasks to nursing staff in a timely manner; relay follow-up on patient care responsibilities, incomplete assignments, ongoing activities, and current patient needs to relevant staff to ensure continuity of care.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) preferred, but not required, unless hired in the following states after January 1, 2026: Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, or as required by state regulations.
- Current CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
Skills
- Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work well with diverse populations.
- Ability to utilize age, disability, and cultural-specific knowledge in working with specialized populations.
- Good physical and mental health, demonstrated by a warm empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, worth, and potential of clients, and a high sense of personal integrity.
- Ability to work under close supervision.
- Must successfully complete Basic Life Support (BLS) course and an approved behavioral de-escalation program.
Work Environment
- Subject to many interruptions and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.
- High-paced and potentially stressful environment; must be able to cope mentally and physically with the atmosphere.
- May experience disagreeable odors, sights, and/or unpredictable patient behavior.
- Spends approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.