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 https://www.albanymed.org/specialty/crisis-center-in-glens-falls/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. o OPWDD experience or training highly desired - **Certifications**: Basic Life Support (BL…