Behavioral Health Tech, BHU
Listed compensation
$18.25-$27.38/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Our growth is creating great opportunities! Our team is growing and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, please apply to the one you feel best suits you! You can keep track of your progress in the selection process as well as stay updated on new positions that might interest you.
Shift: 11a-1130p w/ Weekends
Scheduled Weekly Hours
36
Position Purpose
The BHT is a part of the multidisciplinary treatment team and works directly with mentally ill or intellectually and developmentally disabled patients. Provides for personal care and comfort of psychiatric patients under the direction of the registered nurse.
Essential Functions
Participates in the development, review, and implementation of interdisciplinary treatment plans under the supervision of the registered nurse.
Continuously observes, evaluates, and communicates patients’ responses to therapeutic activities and reports changes or unusual occurrences to the multidisciplinary team.
Supervises and participates with patients in group or individual recreational, social, and related activities under the direction of the registered nurse and/or program therapist.
Ensures patient hygiene, grooming, activities of daily living, and nutrition to support patient independence and overall recovery.
Demonstrates ability to display compassion, empathy, and calmness in all situations, including stressful interactions with patients/families/visitors/coworkers.
Perform basic nursing procedures of vital signs, specimen collection, and escorting patients to activities and/or scheduled tests.
Completes safety rounding to maintain therapeutic, secure, and safe environment for patients/staff/visitors and documents accordingly.
Intervenes appropriately and therapeutically in crisis situations using crisis intervention prevention techniques (i. e. MOAB).
Screens all visitors for appropriateness, directs visitors to designated areas, and ensures no contraband is brought into the unit. Intervenes appropriately when unusual activities are identified including but not limited to: reporting to registered nurse, asking visitor to leave the premises, removing contraband).
- Responsible for one on one observation for high risk patients.
- Assembles, processes, and maintains the patients’ paper chart.
- Maintains a clean, neat, safe, orderly and businesslike environment at the nursing station in order to assist members of the health care team in the performance of their jobs despite high-stress factors.
- Demonstrates proficient and effective clerical support for the unit.
- Demonstrates accountability for controlling and ordering unit supplies, as requested.
- Promptly answers patients' call lights and requests.
- Maintains a professional attitude and behavior which enhances the efficacy therapeutic environment.
Maintains good working relations among all nursing unit personnel and other hospital employees through appropriate communication.
With specialized training, and written approval, may perform additional and specialized tasks pertinent to assigned area.
- Accepts reassignment as needed to provide necessary care for all patients.
- Supports an environment conducive to professional practice by functioning as a role model and resource person.
Specialized Know-How & Requirements
Current CNA certification required. Must be active as a CNA on the IL Health Care Worker Registry.
- Completion of advanced MOAB training within 90 days of hire.
- Experience in behavioral health setting preferred.
- Knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques and terminology strongly preferred.
- Strong operational knowledge in Microsoft Windows/Office products and the ability to learn the CGH order entry system preferred.
- BLS Required within 30 days of hire.
Compensation Range
- $18.25 - $27.38
- Available Benefits for Benefit Eligible Positions
- Health and Dental Insurance
- IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund)
- Retirement Fund (457 and 401A Plan)
- Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
- Life Insurance
- Short and Long Term Disability
- Optional Insurances
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement and Loan Forgiveness
- Gift Shop Discount
- CGH Day Care Discount
- CGH Dietary Discount
- Employee Assistance Program
- CGH Pharmacy Discount
CGH Vision Center Discount
Thank you for your interest in a career at CGH Medical Center.
Key Responsibilities
The Behavioral Health Tech provides direct personal care and support to psychiatric patients under the direction of a registered nurse. They participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, monitor patient responses, and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a current CNA certification on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry and obtain BLS certification within 30 days of hire. Completion of advanced MOAB training is required within 90 days of starting the position.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Behavioral Health Career Context
Of the 40 active Behavioral Health listings this role was benchmarked against, 83% have no call, 48% require no weekends.
Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is down 3.9% vs. the prior quarter (through Oct 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $38k–$57k | Behavioral Health median $46k (middle half $44k–$58k)20 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$47k in purchasing power | Illinois index 100.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Behavioral Health listings in Illinois | 33 active | 1,232 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 83% no call · 48% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | loan repayment | US healthcare professional listings (all specialties): 5% state a sign-on bonus (median $3k) · 13% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Behavioral Health listings | 837 in the last 30 days | 501 the 30 days before (+67%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Behavioral Health pay trend | −3.9% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Top Behavioral Health Tech Jobs
25 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution
25 jobs · 19 employersAnnual compensation range
Benefits & Perks
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