Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) - Part-time 2nd Shift

Part‑time Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) – 2nd Shift: 3 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (2‑8 hr shifts/week & every‑other‑week rotation)

About the role

Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern PA is an 86‑bed acute‑care, Joint Commission‑accredited psychiatric hospital that provides specialty behavioral health services for adults with mental health conditions and co‑occurring disorders. The Behavioral Health Technician supports nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu and performs patient‑care activities within the scope of BHT training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor and support compliance with unit rules.
• Employ de‑escalation and therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Inventory patient belongings accurately, secure contraband, and complete unit safety checks.
• Follow standard/universal precautions and infection‑control policies; attend required in‑services.
• Implement patient‑care activities under licensed nursing supervision, including vital signs, weights, ADL, nutritional monitoring, and communication of findings.
• Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and belongings; provide mobility assistance to at‑risk or physically challenged patients.
• Individualize care activities to age‑specific, disability, and cultural‑sensitivity needs.
• Document patient observations related to behavior, location, and date; record nutritional intake, weights, liquid intake, vital signs, and output on observation forms.
• Communicate outcomes of assigned tasks to nursing staff promptly, including follow‑up on care responsibilities, incomplete assignments, ongoing activities, and current patient needs.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Education / Experience: High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) preferred, but not required unless hired in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, or Pennsylvania after January 1 2026 or as required by state regulations. Current CNA certification or at least six months of bedside, direct patient‑care experience in a healthcare setting preferred.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.
• Use of age, disability, and cultural‑specific knowledge when working with specialized populations.
• Good physical and mental health, demonstrated by a warm, empathetic attitude, respect for client dignity, and high personal integrity.
• Ability to work under close supervision.
• Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) course and an Oceans‑approved behavioral de‑escalation program.

Work Environment

• Subject to many interruptions and occasional pressure from multiple calls and inquiries.
• High‑pace, potentially stressful environment; must cope mentally and physically.
• May encounter disagreeable odors, sights, and unpredictable patient behavior.
• Approximately 90 % of time spent inside a building that protects from weather but not necessarily from temperature changes.