Behavioral Health Technician - Behavioral Health Unit

Compensation: $18.75 - $28.13 / hour (Exact rate is determined on a case-by-case basis commensurate with experience level, as well as education and certifications pertaining to each position which may be above the listed job requirements.) 

The Impact You Can Make

As a Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Technician or Crisis Services Technician, you are the heartbeat of our therapeutic environment. Working under the guidance of licensed nursing staff, you will provide vital, hands-on care to individuals navigating acute mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. This unique role allows you to make a profound difference by blending essential medical support with empathetic, trauma-informed advocacy in our secure Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit and brand-new Crisis Stabilization Unit. 

 

Why Choose Glens Falls Hospital?

• Paid Specialized Training: Receive fully compensated, gold-standard crisis prevention and clinical orientation certifications (including CIT and BLS) upon hire.
• The Ideal Stepping Stone: Gain highly coveted, hands-on patient care hours perfect for individuals pursuing advanced degrees in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, or Nursing.
• Comprehensive Clinical Exposure: Gain diverse skills by cross-training in both acute inpatient care and emergency psychiatric crisis settings, working with all age groups from pediatric to adult populations.
• Diverse Population Experience: Gain invaluable skills working with both voluntarily admitted and acute patients across all age groups, including pediatric populations.
• A Supportive Environment: Benefit from structured on-the-job training, mentorship from licensed professionals, and a clear pathway for internal career growth. 

How You Will Fulfill Your Potential (Responsibilities) 

Patient Care & Therapeutic Support

• Build trusting relationships with patients that emphasize personal recovery, resilience, and emotional regulation.
• Deliver trauma-informed care that minimizes restrictive measures and empowers patients to participate in their treatment plans.
• Assist and teach patients with daily living activities, personal hygiene, and nutritional tracking.
• Facilitate therapeutic group activities, holiday celebrations, and movie nights in partnership with programming directors. 

Clinical & Technical Assistance

• Perform core medical tasks, including taking vital signs, blood glucose checks, lab specimen collection, 12-lead EKGs, and phlebotomy (blood draws).
• Manage patient intake workflows, including charting, inventorying personal belongings, and orienting new patients to the unit.
• Observe and document patient behaviors, providing clear, timely written and verbal updates promptly to the Registered Nurse regarding any status changes.
• Support the unit by completing basic clerical tasks and escorting patients to off-unit activities. 

Safety & Crisis Intervention

• Maintain unit safety and security by conducting safety rounds, room checks, video monitoring, and contraband searches.
• Provide direct visual observation for high-risk patients to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
• De-escalate tense situations, patient aggression, or behavioral crises using hospital-approved verbal and physical techniques.
• Apply, monitor, and remove patient restraints only when necessary, strictly adhering to physician protocols and safety guidelines. 

 What You Bring (Qualifications)

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related behavioral field is strongly preferred
• Experience: 1–2 years of healthcare, patient care, or mental health experience is preferred, though a passion for compassionate care is our top priority. OPWDD experience or training highly desired.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), and NAPPI certifications are required and fully provided by the hospital during your comprehensive onboarding process.
• Core Capabilities: Excellent communication skills, strong conflict de-escalation abilities, and a dedicated comfort level working with diverse populations in high-acuity medical environments.

Mission Our mission is to improve the health of people in our region by providing access to exceptional, affordable, and patient-centered care every day and in every setting. Communities We Serve Located in the foothills of the beautiful Adirondack mountains, Glens Falls is conveniently located a short drive away from the capital region and Lake George. Work at the top of your profession and jumpstart your next career here at Glens Falls Hospital! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. Benefits Glens Falls Hospital is committed to providing our people with valuable and competitive benefits offerings, as it is a core part of providing a strong overall employee experience. A summary of these offerings, which are available to active, full-time and part-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week, can be found on the career page here.