Behavioral Health Technician - Forensic

Lifepoint Health • Holyoke, MA

14h

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) works in the Forensic Unit at Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, providing support to patients involved with the legal or criminal justice system who need psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and treatment. The unit is a highly structured and secure environment focused on safety, therapeutic engagement, evidence-based care, and individualized treatment planning.

The BHT helps maintain a safe milieu through patient observation and monitoring, carries out 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.
• Previous experience in a psychiatric health care facility preferred, including direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric, and geriatric patients.
• 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.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• May be required to work flexible hours and overtime.
• Where applicable, obtain and maintain agency affiliation.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric, and geriatric patients.
• High school degree.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe milieu through patient checks and safety monitoring, including completing 15-minute checks, monitoring for contraband, evaluating changes in condition, and providing line-of-sight or one-on-one care as directed.
• Complete patient-care 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 inventorying belongings, orienting patients to the unit, taking vital signs, and completing other delegated duties.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for full-time and part-time employees.
• Life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 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: No Education Listed