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 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

  • Job Location: 1700 EDUCATION AVE - PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950
  • Position Type: Full Time
  • Education Level: High School
  • Salary Range: $16.00 - $19.00 Hourly
  • Travel Percentage: Negligible
  • Job Shift: Any
  • Job Category: Health Care

Sign-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 adult and adolescent patients’ safety and behavior, support patient care and treatment plans, and document progress and required information in the electronic health record. Complete admissions and safety checks, facilitate therapeutic and recreational activities, maintain the unit, and use respectful de-escalation and approved nonviolent interventions when needed.

Requirements

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of direct experience interacting with individuals in a behavioral health setting. Candidates must communicate effectively, work independently and as part of a team, complete Handle with Care certification, pass a Level II background check and drug test, and hold a valid Florida driver’s license with insurance and a safe driving record.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure

Key Skills

Patient MonitoringElectronic Health RecordsTherapeutic Group FacilitationPatient Intake and AdmissionVital Signs MeasurementNonviolent Crisis InterventionHIPAA Compliance42 CFR ComplianceTeamwork

Behavioral Health Career Context

Of the 40 active Behavioral Health listings this role was benchmarked against, 73% have no call, 43% require no weekends.

Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is down 5.0% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

Behavioral Health by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Listed pay$33k–$40kBehavioral Health median $40k (middle half $36k–$45k)37 comparable listings, Oct 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$35k in purchasing powerFlorida index 103.4 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Behavioral Health listings in Florida94 active1,328 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026
Work settingon-sitepeers: 73% no call · 43% no weekends40 benchmarked listings
Behavioral Health pay trend−5.0% vs prior quarter—through Sep 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Oct 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

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

19 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

19 jobs · 15 employers
9
<$45k
7
$45k-50k
3
$52k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

15 jobs
401k / retirement match
100% this job
CME allowance
27%
Sign-on bonus
13% this job
Loan repayment
7% this job
PSLF eligible
7% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Behavioral Health Technician

Discovery Behavioral Health · Fairfax, Virginia

$16-$25/hr
#2

Behavioral Health Associate I

Volunteers of America of Alaska · Eagle River, Alaska

$20-$25/hr
#3

Behavioral Health Associate

$22-$25/hr
#4

Behavioral Health Technician (Greenbrook)

$22-$24/hr
+ 17 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 1,299 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care logo

About Charlotte Behavioral Health Care

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

Benefits & Perks

Dental, vision, health, and life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employer sponsored contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA)
Paid Time Off (PTO)
11 paid holidays
403b Retirement Plan with 9% employer contribution
Tuition reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible

Living in Punta Gorda

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$385k
Typical market rent
$2,041/mo
Residents’ average commute
27 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
100.5
State income tax
None
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Sep 2026), Zillow market rents (Sep 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.