Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) - Adult Inpatient Psychiatry - Nights

Denver Health and Hospital Authority•Denver, CO

About The Position

Under close supervision, the Behavioral Health Technician provides a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for adult inpatient psychiatric patients. The role provides direct patient care and may conduct therapeutic group sessions under the direction and supervision of an RN. The technician contributes input to the RN in developing care plans and assists with carrying them out for assigned patients. The position also assists with admissions and orients new patients and families to the unit. The role includes assisting with admissions, discharges, and transfers; obtaining vital signs; collecting laboratory specimens as directed; and transporting patients and items such as specimens, blood products, and medications. The technician identifies and reports abnormal findings or concerns to the RN, maintains patient confidentiality, and provides care during seclusion or restraint in accordance with applicable regulations and department policies. The position promotes respectful relationships with employees, physicians, patients, and visitors and supports Denver Health’s mission, values, and attendance guidelines. This is a regular 0.9 FTE position on the night shift. The listed salary is $21.00–$28.52 per hour. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and BLS/CPR certification from the American Heart Association. Two years of experience in the field or a related area is preferred, or an equivalent combination. Applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test after a conditional offer.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
BLS/CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
Sensitivity when working with psychiatric patients and communication skills suited to the plan of care and milieu management.
Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the field.
Skill in assisting patients with daily activities.
Human relations and effective communication skills.
Ability to maintain clinical competency.
Ability to observe and document patient behavior.
Basic knowledge of the MS Office suite.
Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines.
Applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test after a conditional offer.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in the field or a related area, or an equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, including appropriate documentation.
Obtain vital signs for assigned adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Collect laboratory specimens from assigned patients as directed by RN staff.
Transport patients between areas when requested and deliver laboratory specimens, blood products, medications, and other hospital or medical items to requested departments; use the pneumatic tube system as needed.
Recognize normal versus abnormal findings and report abnormal values or conditions, including abnormal vital signs and safety or family concerns, to the RN.
Maintain patient confidentiality and a secure, trusting environment.
Provide care to patients in seclusion or restraint in accordance with 27-10 regulations and department policies and procedures.
Promote courteous, dignified, empathetic, and respectful relationships and communication with employees, physicians, patients, and visitors.
Adhere to Denver Health’s mission, values, and departmental attendance guidelines.
Provide care appropriate to patients’ needs and demonstrate knowledge of life-span growth and development and relevant cultural information.
Complete and meet clinical competency standards.
Provide direct patient care and, when appropriate, conduct therapeutic group sessions under RN direction and supervision.
Provide input to the RN in developing plans of care and assist with carrying them out for assigned patients.
Assist with the admission of new patients and orient new patients and families to the unit.

Benefits

Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick time, and seven holidays.
100% paid parental leave for up to six weeks.
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions up to 9.5%.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Employer-paid disability and life insurance.
Comprehensive well-being programs, including an on-site employee fitness center and RESTORE Center.
Free RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
Childcare discount programs and exclusive perks on brands and travel.
Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
Education, coaching, and professional development through the Workforce Development Center.
Career advancement pathways and a professional clinical advancement program.
Shared governance opportunities.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness-eligible employer, with free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the program.
National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps eligibility.