WESTCARE INC·Marathon, Florida
The Behavioral Health Technician assists nursing staff with the screening, admission, and daily care of voluntary and involuntary inpatient clients. Key duties include monitoring vital signs, facilitating therapeutic groups, and ensuring patient safety through constant observation and documentation.
The Behavioral Health Technician assists the nursing staff in the screening, admission, care and discharge of voluntary and involuntary clients of the Inpatient Unit. Essential Job Functions: Takes patient vital signs accurately per policy and procedures or medical orders 100% of the time Double checks accuracy of vital sign readings and records and reports any abnormal findings (as described in policies and procedures) immediately to staff nurse 100% of the time Observes unit patients for abnormal behaviors, changes in physical status, or behavioral changes and reports such findings to the appropriate team member 100% of the time Completes all assigned or scheduled client activities, including group meetings and other supervised activities, 100% of the time Completes and document visual checks of current CSU clients every 30 minutes 100% of the time Completes precaution and seclusion logs every 15 minutes 100% of the time Completes activity logs, flow sheets, detox phone logs, and other forms as required in a timely manner (per policies and procedures) 100% of the time Accompanies clients to and from activities and participates with them in therapeutic activities Provides 1x1 counseling and other direct care to patients as directed by RN per treatment plan and policies and procedures Responds promptly per treatment plan and policies and procedures to inappropriate, withdrawn, agitated or vegetative patient behavior Applies TACT techniques properly and effectively 100% of the time in response to patient aggression Facilitates scheduled therapeutic and education groups 100% of the time and implements behavior modification plans as required 100% of the time Conducts all activities in such a way as to safeguard client confidentiality 100% of the time Provides prompt and direct assistance for activities of daily living per treatment plan and at direction of RN Provides information about client status to all staff regarding status and changes of all clients on all units Demonstrates the ability to evaluate the impact of substance use, mental health problems, and needs for the development of the client’s functioning in major life areas Applies the knowledge of the inter-relationship among substance abuse disorders, mental health disorders, and chronic medical conditions Applies knowledge in the understanding of Motivational Interviewing; Motivational Enhancement therapy; Comprehensive, Continuous Integrated System of Care (CCISC), and Trauma-Informed Care Completes all documentation (including signature when necessary) on patient status and behavior per policies and procedures and individual treatment plans 95% of the time Handles and cares for patient laundry and other personal property from admission through discharge 100% of the time and completes unit and patient laundry 100% of the time Completes housekeeping and cleaning on the unit as needed 100% of the time Identifies safety hazards and reports them to supervisor immediately 100% of the time Communicates housekeeping maintenance needs via the Maintenance Log on the Unit Transports clients (with class D license) at the direction of the RN Receives and stocks Unit linen Received at least 26 hours of relevant training the first year of employment and 20 hours per year thereafter, arranged in collaboration with the Unit Coordinator Participates in quality improvement activities as assigned by Unit Director or other Clinic Management Staff Interacts with patients and colleagues in a professional way 100% of the time Dress and self-presentation will communicate respect for clients and colleagues and present no safety hazards 100% of the time Operates standard office machines including telephone, copy machine, fax and computer Advocate our agency and present a good public image while in contact with other agencies, referral sources, family members & medical professionals. Promote publicity, interest and inquiries Conducts all activities in such a way as to safeguard the confidential status of client information. All “on the job” and “off the job” activities are performed in accordance with the Center’s Confidentiality standards and requirements. Participates in required staff development / training activities. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of clinical area of practice. Participate in trainings on trauma informed care, assessing and treating victims of domestic violence, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and Seeking Safety Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation Participate in meetings and attend trainings as required and requested Completes all orientation and mandated training activities, including E-Learning Courses, within required timeframes, and in accordance with the criteria established for this position. Perform any other duties as assigned. Qualifications Essential Qualifications: Certifications/Licensures: Must be CPR/First Aid certified within 6 months of employment and every two years thereafter.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is preferred; High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
Experience and
Competencies: Two years of related work experience in Mental Health, and / or Substance Abuse field preferred Ability to meet requirements of Monroe County Sheriff’s Office background check Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required. Possesses sufficient means of independent mobility. Possesses Caring heart and ability to handle stressful situations. Ability to understand and address needs of clients with co-occurring disorders. Basic computer literacy, including data entry. Ability to understand and implement Therapeutic Community concepts Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion for consumer Ability to comply with all statutory requirements and professional/ethical responsibilities concerning confidentiality. Ability to demonstrate respect in all dealings with consumers. Takes time to make sure that consumers understand communications. Deals with other staff in a respectful and collegial fashion. Ability to seek direction from Supervisor when appropriate. Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values Knowledge of Incident Reporting Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality Familiarity with WestCare services and programs Understanding of issues related to cultural identity, ethnic background, age, developmental level, gender and sexual orientation in prevention, intervention and treatment. Demonstrates ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and consumers Demonstrates respect for an individual’s cultural and ethnic values when interacting with them Articulates a working definition of trauma Understands the impact of trauma Understands re-traumatization Demonstrates a high degree of dependability. Maintains a good attendance record. Observes working hours Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor Works independently with minimal supervision Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job Work time is always productive Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others. Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time. Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare. Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision Maintains a positive attitude toward work Ensures and maintains a safe working environment. Work area is clean and orderly. Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures. Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures Presents a positive personal image
Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
A high school diploma is required, though a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of experience in mental health or substance abuse are preferred. Candidates must be CPR/First Aid certified and pass a comprehensive background check and drug screening.
Working
Conditions: Work is primarily performed in an office or assisted living facility setting; and some outdoor activities may be required.
Personal
Protective
Equipment: Gloves are worn when cleaning. Gloves are worn when using housekeeping and floor care products Eye goggles are worn when pouring housekeeping and floor product Gloves, mask, gown, eye goggles are used for Code Strongs as required for the situation Appropriate PPE will be worn as required by any chemical or exposure situation Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:
Physical
Demands:
Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations through the use of approved physical de-escalation techniques.
Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee’s essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility. Frequent use of key board and telephone. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.
Mental
Demands: Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions. Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings. The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations through the use of approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.
Market context
In Florida, behavioral-health roles are typically in steady demand across community clinics, schools, and care settings serving diverse populations. Competition often centers on licensure status, supervised experience, and the ability to work well with interdisciplinary teams while applying mental health ethics and cultural awareness. Review the full posting carefully and confirm your Master’s degree, Registered Intern License, and communication experience; this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits can save you time by condensing the original job description.