Behavioral Health Technician

About the Role
We are currently seeking a compassionate and dedicated Behavioral Health Technician to join our team at Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital. The Behavioral Health Technician plays a crucial role in providing direct care and support to patients undergoing treatment for mental health disorders. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to patient advocacy, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include:

1. Provide direct care and supervision to patients in accordance with individualized treatment plans and hospital protocols.
2. Monitor patient behavior and assess for any changes or signs of distress, reporting observations to clinical staff as needed.
3. Assist patients with activities of daily living, including meal preparation, personal hygiene, and recreational activities.
4. Implement therapeutic interventions and behavioral management techniques to promote positive coping skills and emotional regulation.
5. Facilitate group therapy sessions and recreational activities to engage patients in meaningful interactions and promote socialization.
6. Collaborate with nursing staff and clinicians to ensure the safety and well-being of patients at all times.
7. Maintain accurate documentation of patient interactions, progress, and any incidents according to hospital policies and regulatory standards.
8. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and training sessions to enhance professional development and improve patient care outcomes.
9. Provide emotional support and crisis intervention to patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or distress.
10. Adhere to ethical standards, confidentiality guidelines, and HIPAA regulations in all aspects of patient care and communication.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and education. Hiring compensation ranges from $16.75-$24.29 per hour. This position is eligible for differential for applicable shifts. Benefits eligible after a 60 day waiting period.

Minimum Education

• High school diploma or GED

Experience

• Previous experience as a CNA preferred

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire
• Current certification as a certified nursing assistant in North Carolina preferred
• CPI- required within one year of date of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and works within the scope of the Behavioral Health Tech as a dependent provider taking direction from licensed personnel
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physicians; acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
• Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within limits of certification and hospital policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the continuum of care provided
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians
• Computer skills including data entry and the EMR

Physical Demands

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals, and specimens and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Continuous sitting for long period =to, or, greater than > 4 hours
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
• Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day
• Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour, exposed to close eye work
• Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact .