Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) - Adult Inpatient Psychiatry

Denver Health•Denver, CO

23h•$21 - $29•Onsite

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 RN direction and supervision. The technician contributes information to the RN to help develop care plans and assists with carrying them out for assigned patients. The position also supports admissions and orients new patients and families to the unit. Responsibilities include assisting with admissions, discharges, and transfers; documenting care; obtaining vital signs; collecting laboratory specimens as directed; and transporting patients and medical items as requested. The technician observes patient status, identifies abnormal findings or safety concerns, and reports them to the RN. The role maintains patient confidentiality, follows department policies and applicable regulations when caring for patients in seclusion or restraint, and supports patients’ rights. This is a regular 0.9 FTE day-shift position in Adult Psychiatry.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Two years of experience in the field or a related area preferred, or an equivalent combination required.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification from the American Heart Association required.
Sensitivity when working with psychiatric patients, including specific communication skills and the ability to support milieu management.
Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the field.
Skill in assisting patients with daily activities and effective human relations and communication.
Ability to demonstrate and maintain clinical competency.
Ability to observe and document patient behavior.
Ability to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines.
Basic Microsoft Office suite skills.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in the field or a related area.

Responsibilities

Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, and complete appropriate documentation.
Obtain vital signs for assigned adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Collect laboratory specimens for assigned patients as directed by RN staff.
Transport patients between areas and deliver specimens, blood products, medications, and other hospital or medical items to requested departments; use the pneumatic tube system as needed.
Recognize normal and abnormal findings and report abnormal values or conditions, including abnormal vital signs, safety concerns, and family issues, to the RN.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information and provide care to patients in seclusion or restraint in accordance with applicable regulations and department policies and procedures.
Support patients’ rights and maintain a safe, secure, and trusting environment.
Promote positive relationships with employees, physicians, patients, and visitors through courteous, dignified, empathetic, and respectful communication.
Adhere to Denver Health’s mission and values and departmental attendance guidelines.
Provide care effectively and appropriately, applying knowledge of growth and development across the lifespan and relevant cultural information.
Observe and document patient behavior and assist patients with daily activities.
May conduct therapeutic group sessions and assist with carrying out patient care plans under RN direction and supervision.

Benefits

Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick time, and 7 holidays.
100% paid parental leave for up to 6 weeks.
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions up to 9.5%.
Medical, dental, and vision plans, plus employer-paid disability and life insurance.
Well-being programs, including an on-site employee fitness center and the RESTORE Center.
Free RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
Childcare discount programs and discounts on brands, travel, and other perks.
Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center.
Professional clinical advancement program and shared governance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, with free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the program.
National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps eligibility.