Behavioral Health Technician - Forensic

Lifepoint Health • Holyoke, MA

1d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) works in the Forensic Unit at Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, providing support in a highly structured and secure inpatient behavioral health setting. The unit serves individuals involved with the legal or criminal justice system who require psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and treatment. Care includes evidence-based therapies, medication management, individualized treatment planning, and interdisciplinary support, with emphasis on safety, therapeutic engagement, recovery, coping skills, and preparation for the next level of care.

The BHT observes patients and helps maintain a safe milieu through patient checks and safety monitoring, including 15-minute checks, contraband monitoring, assessment for changes in condition, and line-of-sight or one-to-one care as directed. The BHT performs tasks delegated by the RN, reports medical or psychiatric changes to the RN, supports admissions, and accompanies patients to activities and appointments.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver's license and favorable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR); proof of insurance is required when using a personal or hospital-owned vehicle.
• CPR certification and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) are 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

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

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and maintain a safe milieu through patient checks and safety monitoring.
• Complete 15-minute checks, monitor for contraband, evaluate for changes in condition, and provide line-of-sight or one-to-one care as directed.
• Perform tasks delegated by the RN, including taking vital signs, collecting specimens, documenting, providing group education, and monitoring patients.
• 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 inventorying belongings, showing patients the unit, taking vital signs, and performing 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.
• 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

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED