What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavioral Health Technician position at Driscoll Children's Hospital?
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Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Please review the job information below.
General Purpose of Job:
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct patient care and supports the safety, stabilization, and therapeutic engagement of pediatric patients experiencing behavioral health challenges. Working under the supervision of unit staff with clinical guidance from licensed mental health specialists, the BHT implements individualized treatment and behavior plans, monitors patient safety, and contributes to a structured, trauma-informed care environment.
The BHT collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to support patients with complex behavioral and mental health needs, often with co-occurring medical conditions. This role requires strong observation skills, professionalism, effective communication, and the ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations. The BHT may administer hospital-approved behavioral and mental health screenings and provide support to the behavioral health team as needed within scope of role and training. This job description reflects the general duties and responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on organizational and patient care requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Patient Care & Safety
Provide continuous or intermittent observation of patients assigned
Monitor patient behavior, mood, and safety risks; promptly report changes
Maintain a safe environment by identifying and removing hazards
Implement safety protocols including suicide precautions, elopement prevention, and close observation
Assist in crisis intervention using approved de-escalation techniques
Participate in physical management interventions per training and policy
Maintain consistency in expectations, boundaries, and interventions
Recognize triggers and early warning signs of escalation
Utilize proactive strategies to prevent behavioral crises
Reinforce coping strategies and treatment goals established by licensed clinicians
Support structured group activities under supervision (may co-facilitate as appropriate)
Promote a trauma-informed, respectful, and supportive environment
Support safe patient transport and mobility
Assist unit as directed within scope of role and training
Communicate changes in patient status to nursing and clinical team members
Participate in shift huddles, team meetings, and care coordination
Reinforce unit structure, expectations, and general coping strategies (within role scope)
Model trauma-informed communication and behavior
Monitor and restock supplies as needed
Assist with basic clerical tasks (e.g., answering phones, documentation support, patient flow tasks) as assigned
Support overall unit efficiency and operations within scope of role and training
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, child development, or related field (or currently enrolled in a program related to the fields aforementioned).
Experience
One (1) year of experience working with children or individuals with behavioral health needs preferred
Experience In Inpatient, Residential, Emergency, Or Healthcare Settings Preferred
Spanish
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Please review the job information below.
General Purpose of Job:
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct patient care and supports the safety, stabilization, and therapeutic engagement of pediatric patients experiencing behavioral health challenges. Working under the supervision of unit staff with clinical guidance from licensed mental health specialists, the BHT implements individualized treatment and behavior plans, monitors patient safety, and contributes to a structured, trauma-informed care environment.
The BHT collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to support patients with complex behavioral and mental health needs, often with co-occurring medical conditions. This role requires strong observation skills, professionalism, effective communication, and the ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations. The BHT may administer hospital-approved behavioral and mental health screenings and provide support to the behavioral health team as needed within scope of role and training. This job description reflects the general duties and responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on organizational and patient care requirements.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Patient Care & Safety
Provide continuous or intermittent observation of patients assigned
Monitor patient behavior, mood, and safety risks; promptly report changes
Maintain a safe environment by identifying and removing hazards
Implement safety protocols including suicide precautions, elopement prevention, and close observation
Assist in crisis intervention using approved de-escalation techniques
Participate in physical management interventions per training and policy
- Implementation of Treatment & Behavior Plans
Maintain consistency in expectations, boundaries, and interventions
Recognize triggers and early warning signs of escalation
Utilize proactive strategies to prevent behavioral crises
- Therapeutic Engagement
Reinforce coping strategies and treatment goals established by licensed clinicians
Support structured group activities under supervision (may co-facilitate as appropriate)
Promote a trauma-informed, respectful, and supportive environment
- Activities of Daily Living & Clinical Support
Support safe patient transport and mobility
Assist unit as directed within scope of role and training
- Documentation & Communication
Communicate changes in patient status to nursing and clinical team members
Participate in shift huddles, team meetings, and care coordination
- Family & Caregiver Interaction
Reinforce unit structure, expectations, and general coping strategies (within role scope)
Model trauma-informed communication and behavior
- Environment of Care & Unit Support
Monitor and restock supplies as needed
Assist with basic clerical tasks (e.g., answering phones, documentation support, patient flow tasks) as assigned
Support overall unit efficiency and operations within scope of role and training
Education and/or Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Associate or bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, child development, or related field (or currently enrolled in a program related to the fields aforementioned).
Experience
One (1) year of experience working with children or individuals with behavioral health needs preferred
Experience In Inpatient, Residential, Emergency, Or Healthcare Settings Preferred
Spanish