Behavioral Health Tech

Schedule

• Day Shift – 3x12 Hours

• 07:00 AM – 07:30 PM

• Block scheduling: No

• Weekend Coverage: Some holidays and weekends

Requested Documents

• Updated Resume

• BLS Certification

• CPI Certification (Preferred)

• Driver's License

• Applicable Certifications

Position Overview

UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital is seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Tech to support adult patients in an inpatient psychiatric unit. The position focuses on providing 24-hour care for patients experiencing acute mental health crises, with an emphasis on patient safety, behavioral stabilization, therapeutic communication, and assistance with daily living activities.

The Behavioral Health Tech will assist with patient monitoring, behavior management, crisis intervention, de-escalation, vital signs, safety checks, and implementation of therapeutic approaches. The role requires knowledge of psychiatric disorders, suicide-risk awareness, emergency response, and appropriate use of restraints according to facility policies and procedures.

A minimum of 1 year of experience and BLS certification are required. CPI certification is preferred. Epic experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the care and monitoring of adult patients in an inpatient psychiatric setting.

• Support patients experiencing acute mental health crises.

• Assist in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

• Monitor patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

• Assist with the care of patients experiencing PTSD, psychosis, and substance-related disorders.

• Monitor patients exhibiting suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or self-harming behaviors.

• Observe and report changes in patient behavior and mental status.

• Perform scheduled room and patient safety checks.

• Conduct electronic Q15-minute rounds using ObservSmart Rounding.

• Obtain and document patient vital signs.

• Assist patients with activities of daily living.

• Assist with ambulation and feeding as needed.

• Apply behavior management techniques.

• Use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.

• Assist in managing aggressive or assaultive behavior.

• Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication skills.

• Support milieu management and therapeutic treatment approaches.

• Respond appropriately to psychiatric and medical emergencies.

• Assist with cardiac arrest response and CPR as required.

• Participate in rapid response or code team procedures as appropriate.

• Assist with the application of restraints and restrictive devices according to facility policy and training.

• Follow patient rights and procedures related to voluntary and involuntary commitment.

• Respect patients' right to refuse treatment in accordance with applicable policies.

• Follow isolation procedures and infection-control practices.

• Monitor patients receiving psychotropic medications and report potential side effects.

• Perform point-of-care glucose testing using a glucometer as required.

• Collaborate with nursing staff and interdisciplinary care teams.

• Maintain accurate patient observations and documentation.

• Follow hospital policies, safety procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Behavioral Health Tech or in a relevant patient-care setting.

• Experience supporting adult patients in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting.

• Current BLS certification required.

• CPI certification preferred.

• Epic charting experience preferred.

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and behavioral health conditions.

• Experience monitoring patients with suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors.

• Knowledge of behavior management and crisis intervention techniques.

• Ability to apply de-escalation techniques when managing challenging behaviors.

• Experience assisting patients with activities of daily living.

• Ability to obtain and document vital signs.

• Knowledge of patient observation and room safety checks.

• Understanding of psychiatric medication side effects and appropriate reporting.

• Knowledge of emergency response procedures, CPR, and rapid response protocols.

• Understanding of restraint and restrictive-device policies.

• Knowledge of patient rights and voluntary/involuntary commitment procedures.

• Ability to follow infection-control and isolation procedures.

• Ability to work effectively with nursing staff and interdisciplinary teams.

• Strong communication, observation, and documentation skills.

• Ability to maintain patient safety, dignity, and confidentiality.