Job Description & Qualifications
A Brief Overview
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct care and support to patients with mental illness, addiction, or behavioral challenges. Working under licensed professionals (RN) they monitor patient behavior, record vital signs, to facilitate and lead activities, and assist with daily care.
What You Will Do
- Milieu Management: Facilitate group activities that are appropriate for the patient population. Assigned to do 1:1 sessions when patient’s are not able to be in a group session due to their current mental state, to support a therapeutic milieu. Help support therapeutic behaviors by understanding the difference between patient’s diagnosis and the different symptoms they may present with, Help maintain a safe, clean environment.
- Crisis Intervention: Having a working knowledge of severe mental Illness and the various symptoms related to the many Illnesses. The BHT, knowing the different stages of a crisis situation, will use the appropriate de-escalation techniques such as active listening, proper non threatening demeanor to help prevent further escalation of situation and maintain a supportive Milieu.
- Clinical Support: Take vital signs, assist with intake and discharge, document patient findings in the electronic health record. Document group and 1:1 session in the electronic record.
- Patient Monitoring: Perform routine safety checks, observe daily actions, and document mood or behavioral changes.
Additional Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
- High School Equivalent / GED (Required)
- Associate’s Degree in applied science in Psychology (Preferred) or
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or currently enrolled in an accredited program (Preferred)
Work Experience
- 1+ years of Inpatient or Outpatient Psychiatry (Preferred)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of the different mental health diagnosis, Such as symptoms associated with Bipolar 1 & 2, Knowing the Facilitate with behaviors related to Schizophrenia or Substance induced psychosis. Demonstrate the ability to communicate with patients who have a developmental disabilities and managing their behaviors in a Milieu. (Preferred proficiency)
- Basic patient care skills. (Preferred proficiency)
- Effective communication with people from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. (Required proficiency)
- Able to organize changing work assignments. (Required proficiency)
- Flexibility. (Required proficiency)
- Patient focused. (Required proficiency)
- Positive, can-do attitude; self-motivated and willing to learn. (Required proficiency)
- Basic computer data entry skills. (Required proficiency)
- Able to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal. (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) (Required within 30 Days)
- High Risk HARP (Required within 30 Days)
- Behavioral Health Technician Certification (Required Upon Hire)
Physical Demands
- Standing Frequently
- Walking Frequently
- Sitting Rarely
- Lifting Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Carrying Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Pushing Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Pulling Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Climbing Occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Balancing Occasionally
- Stooping Frequently
- Kneeling Frequently
- Crouching Frequently
- Crawling Occasionally
- Reaching Frequently
- Handling Frequently
- Grasping Frequently
- Feeling Constantly
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
Travel Requirements
- 10%
Additional Salary Detail:
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of posting of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, union negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity). This figure does not include, unless otherwise stated incentive pay or shift differential pay or the value of University Hospitals’ comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare, dental, vision, retirement plan options, and additional offerings. Click here to view complete wellness and benefits details.
For over 150 years, University Hospitals has been dedicated to our mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Starting as a small Cleveland hospital in 1866, UH has grown into 18 hospitals and 40 health centers, serving 1 million people annually.
UH delivers exceptional care, advances medical innovation, and trains future healthcare leaders. Now, you have the opportunity to add your talents to this legacy of care. At UH, you’ll join a collaborative team in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas will be valued. Together, we can continue to shape the future of healthcare and deliver on the promise of our mission for generations to come.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.
View complete wellness and benefits details on our Why Choose Us page.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.


Working at University Hospitals
Careers at UH offers opportunities to provide care locally in the Cleveland area with the power to impact healthcare nationwide. As leaders in our industry, our staff share a commitment to be the difference in the lives of our patients and our communities from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Look at this video to discover how we’re building an organization for the future today.
Nightshift Module
Night shift provides a unique and rewarding opportunity for caregivers who thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment. With fewer distractions and a calmer atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to foster meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients. The quieter pace allows for more in-depth patient connections, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to refine your skills. Whether it’s the flexibility to fit your lifestyle, the teamwork and problem-solving that come with a close-knit team, or the financial benefits of shift differential pay, night shift offers a space where you can grow both personally and professionally. If you excel in a late-night environment and appreciate the independence and collaboration it offers, our night shift team is the perfect fit for you!
Hear from our team about why they enjoy working the night shift and how it has shaped their careers.
Sara H.
Multi Modality
I like nightshift because the smaller staff helps me build connections and friendships with the staff around me. Helping us to better communicate without any issues, including doctors. I can work independently, keeping my thinking skills sharp. Even when it is quiet, it is never boring.










