Behavioral Health Technician - Forensic Unit

About the role

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being, so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

The Forensic Unit at Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital provides specialized inpatient behavioral health services for individuals involved with the legal or criminal justice system who require psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and treatment. This highly structured and secure environment is designed to support patients with complex mental health needs through evidence-based therapies, medication management, individualized treatment planning, and interdisciplinary care. The team is committed to promoting recovery, enhancing coping skills, and preparing patients for the next level of care while maintaining a strong focus on safety, therapeutic engagement, and compassionate, patient-centered treatment.

Responsibilities

• Observes and maintains safe milieu through patient checks, safety monitoring, etc.: completes 15-minute checks, monitors for contraband, evaluates for change in condition, and provides line of sight or one-on-one care as directed.
• Adheres to tasks delegated by the RN related to the care of the patients including, but not limited to vital signs, specimen collection, documentation, group education, and patient monitoring.
• Demonstrates effective milieu management skills, which promote positive patient experiences.
• Accompanies patients to off-unit activities, i.e. meals, outside breaks, off-unit visits, out-of-building activities and appointments.
• Reports all changes, medical or psychiatric, to RN.
• Assists with the admission process to include belongings inventory, visitation to unit, vital signs, and other duties as delegated.

Requirements

• High school degree preferred.
• Previous experience in a psychiatric health care facility, with direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric and geriatric patients preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and a favorable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), along with proof of insurance when using personal or hospital-owned vehicle.
• CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) within 30 days of employment and prior to any patient contact.
• Completion of additional age-specific training within 30 days of employment as required.
• At least 21 years of age.
• May be required to work flexible hours and overtime.
• Where applicable, must obtain and maintain agency affiliation.