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 7mo 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: $1,000 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

The technician monitors the safety and interacts appropriately with adult and adolescent patients on a 24/7 behavioral health unit, assisting with care management and recording progress in the EHR. Responsibilities also include leading therapeutic groups, conducting intake procedures, maintaining unit cleanliness, and implementing non-violent interventions when necessary.

Requirements

A High School Diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement, coupled with one year of direct experience interacting with individuals in a behavioral health setting. Candidates must also pass a Level II Background clearance, drug test, and possess a valid Florida driver's license.

Key Skills

Patient MonitoringTherapeutic Group LeadershipVital Signs DocumentationTeamworkEthical Conduct

Behavioral Health Career Context

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

Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is down 5.0% 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

21 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution21 jobs · 15 employers

3
$40k
8
$40k-45k
9
$45k-50k
1
$52k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks16 jobs · 15 employers

401k / retirement match
100% this job
CME allowance
19%
Sign-on bonus
13% this job
Loan repayment
6% this job

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

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$22-$25/hr
#2

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$22-$24/hr
#3

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#4

Regional Behavioral Health Technician (Greenbrook)

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+ 19 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 1,303 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

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
403b Retirement Plan

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.