Navigating the field of behavioral healthcare can be both rewarding and challenging. With the increasing awareness and demand for mental health services, there is a growing need for professionals dedicated to supporting individuals with behavioral health issues.
However, finding a job in this specialized area requires more than just a passion for helping others.
Without spending much of your time, here is all the information you require if you have been seeking a job in behavioral healthcare. Find out if this is the professional path you want to follow as you read along with us.
Job Description Of A Behavioral Health Technician
Also known as mental or psychiatric aides, behavioral health technicians usually work in settings where they help mentally ill and emotionally unstable patients. They typically work in hospitals or other institutions under the supervision of other behavioral healthcare professionals such as medical doctors or psychiatrists.
You will be required to coordinate behavioral health services, monitor the documents in question, help patients identify their personal needs, and so on. You will also help patients with behavioral issues recover. Such patients include those with substance abuse, mental disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even emotional abuse issues.
Duties And Responsibilities Of A Behavioral Health Technician
You should be able to understand and also implement treatment plans for each patient. You should also record their behaviors and, in turn, ensure a secure and encouraging environment for them.
You will also be required to record patients’ medications and help them in their daily activities such as recreational and therapeutic activities. You might also be responsible for stopping and restricting any violent behavior.
Education And Skills Required To Excel At This Job
The beauty of these jobs is that you can start working even with your high school diploma. However, having relevant experience or even a degree in a related field will improve your opportunities of landing a job. Courses to consider include psychology, mental health technology, group dynamics, and nursing, with at least two years’ experience.
You might have to consider going for an internship while still in school to help them gain hands-on experience in the field. You might work as a nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse.
Furthermore, if you take on any degree, you are likely to receive on-the-job training, which includes lectures, workshops, or even working with patients themselves, though under the supervision of a licensed health worker.
Skills required include interpersonal and observation skills. Furthermore, you must be physically fit since you will be working long hours, moreover on your feet mainly. Given the nature of your work, you must be patient, flexible, and able to work well under pressure. Lastly, anyone working in such a field must have excellent communication skills.
Acquiring The Necessary Certification
If you have completed all the necessary steps, it’s time to consider getting a certificate. The only prominent institution offering this is the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians. There are four levels involved, and these range from completing your high school education to completing 30 semester credit hours, and a year of professional practice.
Bottom Line
If this is the career path, you have always wanted to take on, we hope this article was helpful for you. What matters most in any profession is an individual’s passion and drive. Everything else will work itself out. However, if you want to work in this field, you should start pursuing the proper education today!
Also read – Start A Career As A Psychiatrist