Lead Mental Health Woker BHT

College Medical Center Phoenix is proud to be the newest addition to College Health Enterprises. We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of customer service with warmth, friendliness, and organizational pride. Join a team that provides a respectful environment, flexibility, a close-knit group, and the autonomy to utilize your knowledge and experience.

Job Summary:

The Lead Behavioral Health Technician supports daily unit operations by assisting BHT staff, promoting patient safety, and supporting licensed nursing staff. The Lead BHT works closely with the House Supervisor to support unit flow, staffing coordination, and communication across units while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

Job Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• A Level One Fingerprint Card is required
• Prior experience as a Behavioral Health Technician in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting is strongly preferred
• Previous leadership or lead experience preferred
• Knowledge of behavioral health practices, patient safety protocols, and crisis intervention
• Basic computer skills, including electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to effectively supervise, support, and mentor BHT staff
• Ability to work collaboratively with nursing and clinical teams
• Ability to lift, transfer, reposition, and assist patients as required
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or crises
• CPR, First Aid, and CPI/PMAB certification preferred (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
  
  
  

Job Specific Duties:

• Serve as the primary support and resource for Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) during assigned shifts
• Assist with assigning and monitoring patient observation levels, including Q15, Q2H, 1:1, and Line-of-Sight (LOS), as directed by nursing leadership
• Coordinate staff breaks and coverage to ensure continuous patient safety and unit compliance
• Monitor the unit milieu and promptly report safety, behavioral, or staffing concerns to nursing leadership
• Support de-escalation efforts and respond to behavioral emergencies and codes under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN)
• Ensure patient rounding, safety checks, and observation documentation are completed accurately and on time
• Provide guidance and real-time coaching to BHTs regarding expectations, professionalism, workflow, and unit procedures
• Support adult, voluntary, court-ordered treatment (COT), and pediatric patients (ages 5–12) using age-appropriate interventions and redirection techniques
• Communicate patient acuity changes, behavioral risks, and safety concerns to the Charge Nurse or RN promptly
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, and ongoing support of new or float BHT staff
• Support accurate, timely, and compliant documentation by BHT staff in accordance with facility policies
• Provide objective, factual observations for incident reports and investigations as requested
• Participate in shift huddles, handoff communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Escalate concerns outside the BHT scope of practice to the RN, Charge Nurse, or House Supervisor as appropriate
• Functions within the Arizona scope for unlicensed behavioral health staff
• Does not perform clinical assessments, diagnosis, or treatment
• Does not independently authorize restraints, seclusion, medications, or patient movement
• Operates under the direction of licensed nursing staff and leadership
  
  
  

Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for CMC Phoenix roles, including but not limited to shift differential and other special pay practices. The posted compensation for the position is a reasonable estimate that extends from the lowest to the highest pay that CMC Phoenix, in good faith, believes it might pay for this particular job, based on the circumstances at the time of posting.