Behavioral Health Technician - Forensic

Lifepoint Health • Holyoke, MA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician for its Forensic Unit. The unit provides specialized inpatient behavioral health services for people involved with the legal or criminal justice system who need psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and treatment. It is a highly structured, secure setting focused on safety, therapeutic engagement, evidence-based care, individualized treatment planning, and compassionate, patient-centered support.

The Behavioral Health Technician helps maintain a safe milieu through observation and patient checks, including 15-minute checks, contraband monitoring, watching for changes in condition, and providing line-of-sight or one-on-one care as directed. The technician performs tasks delegated by the RN, supports patient activities and admissions, and reports medical or psychiatric changes to the RN. This is a PRN, as-needed union position.

Requirements

• High school degree preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver's license, favorable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), and proof of insurance when using a personal or hospital-owned vehicle.
• CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) required within 30 days of employment and before any patient contact.
• Complete additional age-specific training within 30 days of employment as required.
• Where applicable, obtain and maintain agency affiliation.
• May be required to work flexible hours and overtime.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a psychiatric health care facility.
• Direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric, and geriatric patients.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe milieu through patient checks and safety monitoring, including 15-minute checks and monitoring for contraband.
• Evaluate patients for changes in condition and provide line-of-sight or one-on-one care as directed.
• Complete tasks delegated by the RN, including vital signs, specimen collection, documentation, group education, and patient monitoring.
• Use effective milieu management skills to promote positive patient experiences.
• Accompany patients to off-unit activities, including meals, outside breaks, visits, out-of-building activities, and appointments.
• Report all medical or psychiatric changes to the RN.
• Assist with admissions, including belongings inventory, visitation to the unit, vital signs, and other delegated duties.

Benefits

• Multiple levels of medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid family leave and paid time off.
• Higher education and certification tuition assistance.
• Loan assistance.
• 401(k) retirement package with company match.
• Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs, including free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services, and discount programs.
• Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED