Behavioral Health Technician

Schedule: Full Time 12-hour shifts

Am: 7:00 Am – 7:30 PM

NOC: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM

Position Summary

We are seeking a compassionate, vigilant, and qualified LPS Designated Behavioral Health Technicians to join our psychiatric care team. In this role, you will provide direct, frontline care and monitoring for patients admitted under involuntary psychiatric holds (Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, e. g., 5150, 5250).

Working under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Manager and in collaboration with the nursing and clinical teams, you will maintain a secure, therapeutic environment, execute crisis de-escalation, and assist individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises.

Key Responsibilities

Demonstrate understanding and be compliant with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.

Conduct and document strict, timely safety checks (e. g., Q15 rounds). Maintain constant visual observation of patients on suicide or high-risk watch.

Actively identify escalating behaviors. Utilize approved crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques to safely manage aggressive or self-harming behavior.

Provide direct care and support to patients, promoting independence in hygiene, grooming, and other activities of daily living (ADLs)

Assist in the daily preparation, portioning, and serving of patient meals and snacks. Ensure adherence to prescribed dietary restrictions, allergies, and nutrition guidelines while maintaining a safe environment around utensils.

Obtain and record vital signs (e. g., blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration) in accordance with clinical protocols

Observe and accurately chart patient behavior, moods, nutritional intake, and vital signs in accordance with institutional policy and state regulations.

Assist the nursing staff with intake processing, patient searches for contraband, inventorying personal belongings, and final discharge routing

Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent Required

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Food Handler's Card is a major plus.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioral health, or a related human services field is highly preferred
• Prior experience in caregiving and patient support roles
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or hospital setting
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations
• Strong trauma-informed care foundation, excellent verbal de-escalation skills, strict boundary-setting ability (especially regarding sharp kitchen utensils), emotional resilience, and deep knowledge of California patient rights guidelines.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments
• Proficiency in the use of computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation
• Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
• Ability to safely perform containment, escort, and physical intervention procedures with patients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behavior, in accordance with facility protocols and training
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and coordination of care
• Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment
• Crisis prevention/intervention training (e. g., HWC, CPI, PMAB) or de-escalation certification
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Title 22, and other applicable regulatory standards

Benefits

• $2.00/hour shift differential for eligible NOC (overnight) shifts
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization

Physical & Mental Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, cook, and move about a locked unit for extended periods. Physical stamina to assist in patient containment or emergency restraints during acute behavioral crises.

Independent body mobility to frequently stand, walk long distance corridors, descend and the ability to bend, stoop and sit for a prolonged time.

May require significant strength and alertness in a crisis to apply non-violent crisis intervention to containment techniques, or to provide CPR.

Ability to safely assist with the physical management, lifting, or repositioning of adult patients, including those who may be physically resistive or assaultive, potentially weighing 100 pounds or more, in accordance with facility safety protocols and training.

Environmental Requirements

Depending on assignment of position may be required to work in a locked unit with juveniles, formerly incarcerated, and individuals assigned to guardianship who have complex social, and psycho-social needs; may be assigned to evening or night shift, assigned to work weekends, and to work holidays as needed as Ocean View is a 24-hour, 7 day a week facility and coverage is essential; environment can be noisy and sporadically chaotic, and may be exposed to hostile patients and profanity.

Special Conditions

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting, background check clearance, and verification of required licenses, certifications, and education

Satisfactory Completion of Professional Reference Checks

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Ocean View does not provide visa sponsorship for certain roles unless otherwise specified

Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or variable shifts as needed, based on operational or patient care needs.