Behavioral Health Technician PRN Nights

At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Longview, healing is our focus. We are passionate about helping adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Utilizing proven, innovative, and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to promote long‑term wellness through a range of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric counseling and treatment options.

About the role

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 will maintain a safe and professional standard for patient care in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations, Oceans’ mission, policies and procedures, and performance‑improvement standards.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to professional standards, policies, procedures, and federal, state, local, and Joint Commission requirements.
• 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, secure contraband as needed, and 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 of licensed nursing personnel, including vital signs, weights, ADL, intake and output documentation, nutritional monitoring, and communication of 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 maintenance of belongings; provide mobility assistance to at‑risk or physically challenged patients as needed.
• Individualize all patient‑care activities to age‑specific, disability, and cultural‑sensitivity needs.
• Communicate and document patient observations and data accurately in the patient record, including departures from the unit, significant occurrences, observed behavior, vital signs, nutrition intake, and other findings as requested by the registered nurse.
• Communicate outcomes of assigned tasks to nursing staff in a timely manner and follow up on patient‑care responsibilities, incomplete assignments, ongoing activities, and current patient needs to assure continuity of care.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

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

Skills / Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.
• Utilize 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 CPR certification and an Oceans‑approved behavioral de‑escalation program.