Emergency Department - Behavioral Health Technician

Building Location:

Building B - St Marys Medical Center

Department:

2005650 EMERGENCY SERVICES BEHAV HLTH - SMMC HOSP

Job Description:

This position supports patient care by assisting with assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of technical tasks under the supervision of nursing leadership, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with departmental goals and mission. This role delivers direct and indirect care to pre-adolescents through geriatric patients, offering age-appropriate activities aligned with their care plans, either individually or in group settings.

Key Requirements:

Assists with assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of selected technical aspects of patient care under direct supervision of the registered nurse to meet the requirements of the Joint Commission and other regulatory or accrediting agencies
Provided direct/indirect care for patients to support the patient's needs as directed. Duties will vary by patient care unit/department and include but are not limited to: Providing personal hygiene care, assisting with nutritional needs, providing comfort care and other assistance, appropriately and safely transferring patients, taking vital signs and completing recordkeeping, recognizing and promptly reporting changes in patient condition to the RN, and maintaining a safe, clean environment for patients to promote the healing process
Provided patients with activity opportunities appropriate to their ages and abilities and related to their plan of care, either individually or in a group setting.
Help maintain safety on the unit by using de-escalation and other approved techniques to assist distressed or combative patients.

Additional responsibilities where/when assigned:

Provide skill building and activities to patients serviced to enhance patient abilities to improve quality of life to their highest feasible level
Facilitate groups as coordinated by psychotherapy and nursing leaders
Provide services as part of a care team assembled to ensure optimal patient care delivery under the direction of Essentia Health management and the referring physician

Education Qualifications:

Job Description:

• 1 year experience working with persons with mental health symptoms or related applicable experience OR Degree in social services related field OR Residential/Group Home experience. 
• For positions in the Child/Adolescent Unit:  The experience needed is Residential/Group Home experience or Child/Adolescent experience in a mental health setting.
• Completed psychology courses - preferred

What You'll Get to Do:

• Assist with the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care under the direct supervision of nursing leadership
• Support both direct and indirect care for patients ranging from adolescents to geriatrics
• Ensure patient care practices meet Joint Commission standards and other regulatory guidelines
• Collaborate with the care team to help meet departmental goals and the organization’s mission
• Facilitate age-appropriate individual and group activities aligned with each patient’s care plan
• Promote a supportive and safe environment that addresses each patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs

Licensure/Certification Qualifications:

• Certificate / Licensure:
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification within 1 month of hire. 
  
  Employee Benefits at Essentia Health
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options to ensure employees' well-being.
• Retirement Savings Plans: 401(k) with employer contributions to support long-term financial security.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for career growth through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, paid time off, and personal leave to help employees manage their professional and personal lives.
• Employee Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on physical, mental, and emotional health, including fitness memberships, counseling services, and wellness activities.

FTE:

0.8

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:

Day/Eve/Night Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time:

0700/1500/2300

Shift End Time:

1530/2330/0730

Weekends:

Rotating

Holidays:

Yes

Call Obligation:

No

Union:

USWA Technical Workers SMMC (UTECH)

Union Posting Deadline:

06/10/2026

Compensation Range:

$22.77 - $33.86

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.