Behavioral Health Technician

Behavioral Health TechFull-Time

Listed compensation

$16-$19/hr

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: 1700 EDUCATION AVE - PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $16.00 - $19.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: AnyJob Category: Health CareSign-on Bonus: $1,500 Position summary: Responds to supervisor, Lead BHT, and charge nurse on duty in order to continually monitor safety and interact appropriately with adult and adolescent patients on a 24/7 behavioral health care unit.

Assists with patient care management and records progress toward treatment plan objectives using the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Lead and monitor therapeutic groups and leisure and exercise activities. Record in EHR, as required.

Interacts respectfully and in a dignified manner with all patients, staff, visitors, etc. Complete intake/admission process: Security/safety checks. Conduct search of patient and belongings for contraband. Enter information into EHR. Complete inventory of personal belongings.

Explain consents and other documents required during admission and get patient and/or guardian signatures, as needed. Obtain and document vital signs.

Maintain general cleanliness of the unit, laundry, making beds, infection control routines, etc. Redirect patient(s) behavior in a firm, yet respectful manner, participate in verbal-de-escalation, and work as a team to implement Handle with Care (HWC) non-violent interventions to fidelity, when needed to assist Security Technicians.

Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality (HIPAA and 42-CFR). Responsible for routine tasks around the unit, as directed by supervisor, Lead BHT, or charge nurse on duty. Attend staff meetings and trainings as requested by supervisor. Monitor patient behaviors and interactions.

Benefits Full-time Dental, vision, health, and life insurance. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employer sponsored contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA), with qualifying insurance plan. Paid Time Off (PTO). 11 paid holidays.

Must meet eligibility requirements 403b Retirement Plan, with 9% employer contribution for those who meet eligibility requirements. Tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible, and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) loan repayment eligible for qualifying staff Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent. One year of experience interacting directly with individuals in a behavioral health setting required. Able to manage stressful situations and display appropriate work demeanor and boundaries. Demonstrate excellent customer service.

Must maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct, while adhering to agency policies and procedures. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Must be able to successfully complete and certify in Handle with Care training for all levels.

Ability to pass Level II Background clearance, drug test (CBHC is a drug free workplace) Valid FL driver’s license, insurance, and safe driving record For more information regarding the Level II Background Screening click here: info.flclearinghouse.com

Key Responsibilities

Monitor patient safety and behavior on a 24/7 behavioral health unit while assisting with treatment plan documentation in the Electronic Health Record. Facilitate therapeutic activities and perform routine unit tasks including intake procedures and patient de-escalation.

Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of experience in a behavioral health setting. Candidates must pass a Level II background check, drug test, and obtain Handle with Care certification.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Behavioral health monitoringElectronic Health Record documentationTherapeutic group facilitationDe-escalation techniquesCrisis interventionVital signs monitoringPatient intakeHIPAA complianceTeam collaborationOral communication

Behavioral Health Career Context

Of the 40 active Behavioral Health listings this role was benchmarked against, 57% have no call, 38% require no weekends.

Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is down 16.8% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Florida is 103.4 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$36k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $35k in an average-cost state. 58.1% of Florida clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Location & Logistics

Florida has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$36k midpoint, that is roughly $1k–$3k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.

Top Behavioral Health Tech Jobs

24 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution24 jobs · 15 employers

3
<$40k
9
$40k-45k
8
$45k-50k
2
$52k
2
$59k

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution24 jobs · 15 employers

0
1-2
0
3-4
1
5-6
23
7-8
0
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

#1

Behavioral Health Technician at Hill (83693)

Centurion Health · Galesburg, Illinois

$26.91-$28.58/hr
#2

Behavioral Health Technician (83534)

Centurion Health · Pontiac, Illinois

$26.91-$28.58/hr
#3

Behavioral Health Technician - Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (83704)

$25/hr
#4

Behavioral Health Associate I

$20-$25/hr
+ 22 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 1.5this job 1.5
Better work-life than 50% of Behavioral Health listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 1,290 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site

Living in Punta Gorda

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$383k
Typical market rent
$2,028/mo
Residents’ average commute
27 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
100.5
State income tax
None
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Punta Gorda, FL metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Charlotte Behavioral Health Care logo

About Charlotte Behavioral Health Care

Non-profit Organizations
Port Charlotte, FL
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Health Savings Account
Paid Time Off
11 Paid Holidays