Behavioral Health Tech

Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

Behavioral Health Tech - Adult Behavioral Health Unit - Lorain Hospital

Shift/Schedule

• Full Time - Scheduled for 40 Weekly Hours
• Shift Times - Afternoons (2nd Shift)
• Weekends & Holidays - As Required

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides direct patient care under the guidance of a designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and within policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides basic patient care to include, but not limited to, care and comfort, vital sign measurement, personal care and hygiene, and assists with mobility, including unit-based specialty duties.
• Acts as liaison between patient and nurse to report changes and/or concerns.
• Provides high-level customer service to all patients, patient's family, visitors, and employees.
• Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation when applicable for patient care.
• Participates in hand-off/report of pertinent information regarding patient and departmental needs upon arrival and when leaving.
• Performs delegated tasks once competency has been validated.
• Completes patient rounding and 15-minute patient checks as assigned.
• Provides 1:1 patient safety companion service as needed.
• May collect patient data within scope of role
• May complete patient screenings as applicable
• May facilitate groups within scope (community, current events, etc.), treatment teams and participate in family meetings.
• Successfully participates to complete BSMH and departmental specific training as required

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

• BLS Basic Life Support American Health Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)
• State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA) (preferred)
• Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) (preferred)
• Registered Social Work Assistant (SWA) (preferred)
• Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) (preferred)
• Counselor in Training (preferred)
• Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS- BCP) (preferred)
• American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) (preferred)

Education

High School Diploma/GED (required)

Bachelors, related field (preferred)

Work Experience

1 year of experience in a mental health or health care setting (preferred)

Patient Population

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
  Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
• May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse
• May be required to use physical restraints
• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials
• May have periods of constant interruptions

• Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions

• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Skills

• Critical thinking
• Conflict resolution
• Patient and family engagement and relationship building skills
• Teamwork
• Active listening
• Monitoring patient's condition
• Communication with nursing and physicians regarding any patient changes and/or concerns
• Timely and concise patient documentation
• Patient confidentiality
• Attention to detail Deescalating patients
• Understanding patient event codes, and role during a code.
• Physical restraint and deescalating skills
• Crisis Intervention
• Facilitating group training & treatment team meetings
• Supporting family meetings

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team