Address:  501 N. 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

Salary: $17.5306

Grade: 15

Closing Date: 

This position is eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive.


The Behavioral Health Technician 1 - Rover will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, and will provide physical and psychological care to psychiatric patients. The position works on a rotating schedule and may be required to work varied schedules to meet the staffing needs of the hospital. The individual in this role will provide basic paraprofessional nursing care as directed which can include tasks such as providing patient assistance with performing ADL's (activity of daily living), monitoring nutrition intake, and taking vital signs.

This role monitors and accurately documents patient activities and changes in behavior, mood, physical or psychological status following current policy. The BHT 1 alerts the charge nurse of any identified changes in physical or psychological status of the patients. The individual in this role will escort patients to clinical referrals and outings, and will also respond to psychiatric and medical emergencies, using approved interventions per hospital policy. The BHT 1 will maintain safety and security for patients and staff while assisting with orienting patients and new staff to the unit. This position offers weekend differential, and shift differential along with a comprehensive benefit package.

− Supervising patient activities, social skills, and assists them with money management

− Communicating with patients in various situations, activity groups, and as directed by the supervisor

− Participating as a member of the care team and implements assigned treatment plans under general supervision

− Assisting with organizing and participating in therapeutic activities, exercise, and rehabilitation

− Charting on patients on special observation

− Completing progress notes and reports to the nurse on unusual incidents/events

− Charting vital signs and implements assigned treatment plans under general supervision

− Reporting all unusual incidents as required

− Attending shift reports, unit meetings, mandatory education and training requirements

− Coordinating with supervisor to complete required clinical oversight per policy

− Observing, reporting and documenting patient psychiatric and medical problems

− Responding to medical and psychiatric codes, such as seclusions and restraints, code arrests, etc.

− Intervening pro-actively using approved NVCI techniques, including using the least restrictive interventions appropriate for the situation

− Promoting quality service within a compassionate environment by treating patients, staff, and coworkers with respect and dignity

− Maintaining an environment that supports patient rights

− Knowledge of basic mental health principles, therapeutic interventions, behavioral management and motivational techniques, basic group process, patient rights, infection control, safety policies and procedures, and concepts of performance improvement activities

− Skills in teaching activities of daily living, i.e., personal hygiene, social skills, communication skills, coping skills, and community resources as part of discharge planning, paraprofessional nursing care as directed, providing therapeutic interactions and activities

− Ability to respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies; understand and follow detailed verbal and written instructions; organizing and participate in therapeutic groups and recreational and social activities; document progress notes and incident reports; appropriately utilize NVCI techniques and principles when interacting with patients, including using the least restrictive interventions appropriate for the situation

− Supporting a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of ADHS, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination

– One year of direct patient care experience, preferably in a behavioral health setting

– Preference will be given to candidates with prior Public Health experience

− A State Hospital employee must be able to obtain a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1758.07.

− Driving is required for State Business.

− Employees who drive on state business require possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-1085. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.