Behavioral Health Technician

Lifepoint Health • Holyoke, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) works in the Forensic Unit at Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, which provides specialized inpatient behavioral health services for people involved with the legal or criminal justice system who need psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and treatment. The secure, structured setting supports patients with complex mental health needs through evidence-based therapies, medication management, individualized treatment planning, and interdisciplinary care, with a focus on safety, therapeutic engagement, and patient-centered treatment.

The BHT helps maintain a safe milieu, observes and monitors patients, and completes care tasks delegated by the RN. The role accompanies patients to activities and appointments outside the unit and assists with admission procedures. This is a full-time, 32-hour-per-week, day-shift 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.
• May be required to work flexible hours and overtime.
• Where applicable, obtain and maintain agency affiliation.

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, contraband monitoring, observing 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, outings, and appointments.
• Report medical or psychiatric changes in patients 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.
• 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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED