LPN West Palm

**Job Description: LPN Behavioral Health Technician (Skilled Nursing Facilities)** **Hourly: $22 – $32 / hour — depending on experience, facility, shift differentials, and behavioral health responsibilities.** **Position Title:** LPN – Behavioral Health Technician **Department:** Behavioral Health / Psychiatry Services **Location:** West Palm **Reports To:** Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner / Clinical Supervisor **Employment Type:** Full-Time **Position Summary** The LPN Behavioral Health Technician plays a key role in supporting integrated behavioral health services within skilled nursing facilities. This position is responsible for conducting standardized behavioral health assessments—including PHQ-9, BIMS, and other screenings—to support accurate diagnosis, regulatory compliance, and person-centered care planning for residents. The LPN works closely with psychiatric providers, facility nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to optimize quality outcomes and ensure timely behavioral health support. **Key Responsibilities** **Behavioral Health Screening & Assessment** - Administer PHQ-9, BIMS, and other approved mental health and cognitive screenings for assigned residents. - Document assessment findings accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record. - Identify changes in condition and escalate concerns to the psychiatric provider or facility nursing team. **Clinical Support** - Assist psychiatric providers by gathering resident history, current symptoms, and behavioral observations prior to evaluations. - Support follow-up care by monitoring residents for medication effects, mood changes, or acute behavioral needs. - Participate in care planning discussions and interdisciplinary meetings as needed. **Regulatory & Quality Compliance** - Ensure screenings are completed within regulatory timelines (MDS, PPS, admission/readmission cycles). - Maintain consistent documentation that meets state, federal, and facility compliance standards. - Assist in quality initiatives related to behavioral health integration, depression reduction, and cognitive monitoring. **Facility & Provider Support** - Serve as a behavioral health liaison between the psychiatric team and facility staff. - Educate facility staff on the purpose and importance of mental health screenings when appropriate. - Support smooth coordination of psychiatric caseloads and resident scheduling. **Qualifications** - **Active LPN License** (State of employment; in good standing). - Experience in skilled nursing, geriatrics, behavioral health, or mental health preferred. - Strong communication, assessment, and documentation skills. - Ability to work independently in a fast-paced facility environment. - Professional, compassionate, and patient-centered approach to care. **Competencies** - Knowledge of geriatric mental health and cognitive disorders. - Familiarity with PHQ-9, BIMS, and other screening tools (training provided). - Ability to recognize behavioral changes and escalate appropriately. - Strong rapport-building skills with residents, families, and facility teams. - Detail-oriented with a focus on compliance and quality outcomes. **Physical Requirements** - Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. - Ability to stand/walk for extended periods within the facility. - Ability to interact with elderly residents with varying cognitive and functional levels. **Why This Role Matters** This position is essential in helping skilled nursing facilities meet regulatory requirements, enhance early identification of behavioral health needs, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and support overall resident well-being through integrated psychiatric care.