Behavioral Health Technician
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.
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 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 paySalary Distribution24 jobs · 15 employers
Annual compensation range
Work-Life Balance Distribution24 jobs · 15 employers
Higher = better work-life balance
Behavioral Health Technician at Hill (83693)
Centurion Health · Galesburg, Illinois
Behavioral Health Technician (83534)
Centurion Health · Pontiac, Illinois
Behavioral Health Technician - Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (83704)
$25/hrBehavioral Health Associate I
$20-$25/hr