Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) - Part-time 3rd Shift

Part-time, 3rd shift (11p–7:30a) with 2–8 hour shifts per week and every-other-weekend rotation.

About the role

Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern PA is an 86-bed, acute-care, Joint Commission-accredited psychiatric hospital offering care for adults dealing with mental health conditions and co-occurring disorders. We are dedicated to partnering with individuals, families, and communities to improve lives through high-quality, specialty behavioral health services.

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supports the nursing staff in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the BHT’s training and experience. The BHT maintains a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, federal, and state regulations, Haven’s mission, policies, procedures, and performance-improvement standards.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures, and abide by federal, state, and local requirements, as well as Joint Commission standards.
• Effectively apply supportive behavior when assisting in the control of patients who exhibit unacceptable behavior; 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: perform vital signs, weights, ADLs, intake and output documentation, nutritional monitoring, and communicate findings to the nurse.
• Ensure patients receive appropriate diet by reviewing dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences.
• Assist patients with laundry, meals, bathroom functions, and maintaining belongings; assist at-risk and/or physically challenged patients with mobility needs.
• Individualize all patient care activities to the age-specific, disability, and cultural-sensitivity needs of the patient.
• Communicate and document patient observation and data effectively in the patient record; document patient’s departure from unit (e.g., passes, transport to appointments, community meetings) with 100 % accuracy and within defined timelines.
• Document significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and patient observation findings on assigned patients as requested by the registered nurse, with 100 % accuracy and within defined timelines.
• Communicate 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 assure continuity of care.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• CNA certification or at least 6 months of prior bedside, direct patient care experience in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must work well with diverse populations.
• Must utilize age, disability, and cultural-specific knowledge in working with specialized populations to best communicate with clients.
• Must be in good physical and mental health, evidenced by a warm, empathetic attitude, respect for dignity, worth, and potential of clients, and a high sense of personal integrity.
• Must be able to work under close supervision.
• Must successfully complete CPR certification and an approved behavioral de-escalation program.

Pay

Competitive pay rates with shift differentials.