Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in Iowa
Behavioral Health Technician jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where large systems like UnityPoint Health, Broadlawns Medical Center, and Genesis Health System maintain steady demand for direct-care and crisis support roles. Openings exist at every experience level, from entry-level residential support to senior behavioral health specialists working in community mental health and substance use programs. Demand for technicians with experience in autism support, crisis intervention, and co-occurring disorders remains particularly strong across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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This position is flexible with hours being 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am
Work Shift
Night ShiftScheduled Weekly Hours
24Summary
This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by being a competent, respectful, and compassionate professional who is able to safely, appropriately, accurately, efficiently and independently follow Mercy's standards along with policies and procedures while caring for patients. The Registered Staff Nurse works with the unit specific team members to identify clinical problems, develop a plan, and educate patients and families.Job Description
Job Duties
Ensures that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcome.
Demonstrates competent assessment, planning, intervention, coordination and evaluation skills based on the individual patient plan of care.
Continually assesses patient and family needs in order to provide quality care based on a patient centered care model.
Demonstrates critical thinking skills and judgment necessary to implement a patient plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures.
Maintains accurate and real time documentation of nursing care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team, according to hospital policy and procedure related to documentation parameters.
Functions as a role model for current and new staff by creating a healthy work environment to facilitate the department's or unit's ability to meet identified goals and objectives.
Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitor and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel in the provision of care to patients as assigned.
Demonstrate effective and age-appropriate communication as well as the ability to understand the needs of the patient including non-verbal communication, fears, anxieties and language/cultural barriers.
Responds within scope of practice to emergencies and life-threatening conditions.
Adheres to and promotes patient safety practices throughout the patient experience.
Communicates and collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
Provides ongoing education to patients and families.
Delegates to other staff registered nurse, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians, unit secretaries, and other staff positions specific to the department.
Remains current on Evidence-based practice as well as appropriate Protocols and Procedures.
Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.
Department Specific Duties
Behavioral Health (for assigned position within the Healing Center)
Assesses and reassesses Suicide Risk, per policy, utilizing the tools provided and adapts the plan of care with appropriate interventions based upon assessment.
De-escalates patients in crisis to prevent acts of aggression towards self and others.
Conducts psycho educational groups as needed and/or educates one to one on diagnosis, symptom management, medication, wellness, and positive coping skills.
Monitors for withdrawal from alcohol and other substances and follows protocols and utilizes appropriate interventions based upon assessment.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Sound background in basic nursing principles and procedures.
Demonstrates competency in unit specific skills.
Demonstrates ability to provide safe and effective basic nursing care.
Role Models exemplary customer service skills including verbal and non-verbal skills and proper phone etiquette.
Creates a welcoming environment for all healthcare team members.
Committed to ongoing self-development and learning.
Professional Experience
Previous RN experience in an acute care setting preferred.
Department specific experience requirements are noted below:
Behavioral Health
Experience in mental health and/or chemical dependency is preferred.
Physical Requirements
Heavy: Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. to waist and shoulder height on frequent basis
Able to lift up to 50 lbs. on occasional basis for assist with patient transfers
Rare lifting of up to 100 lbs. for controlled falls
Able to lift 15 lbs. overhead on occasional basis.
Able to push and pull of up to 20 lbs. of horizontal force on frequent basis, up to 35 lbs. of horizontal force on occasional basis and up to 50 lbs. of horizontal force on rare basis.
Ability to administer CPR
Women & Children's Float Pool
Medium: Exert 20-50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10-15 lbs. of force frequently.
Pay Rate Type
HourlyMercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.
Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
See All 60 Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in Iowa
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Technician Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Technician Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health technician jobs across Iowa.
- Active Iowa certification or registration as a behavioral health technician or equivalent credential
- High school diploma or GED with relevant behavioral health coursework or associate degree preferred
- Experience providing direct care or behavioral support in a residential or clinical setting
- Working knowledge of behavior intervention plans and de-escalation techniques
- Valid Iowa driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based positions
- Ability to pass a state background check and child and dependent adult abuse registry clearance
Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health technician in Iowa?
Iowa does not require a single statewide license specific to behavioral health technicians, but most employers require a high school diploma or associate degree in human services, psychology, or a related field alongside a Registered Behavior Technician credential issued through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Many Iowa employers also require completion of a state-approved direct support professional training program. A clean background check through the Iowa Department of Human Services is standard before any hire.
Which companies hire behavioral health technicians in Iowa?
Iowa behavioral health technician roles are posted by MercyOne, ANGELS CARE, and Plains Area Mental Health Center and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Iowa's network of community mental health centers, including those affiliated with UnityPoint Health and the University of Iowa Health Care system, also post openings regularly throughout the year.
Which Iowa cities have the most behavioral health technician jobs?
Des Moines, Waterloo, and Iowa City have the most behavioral health technician openings in Iowa. Des Moines dominates as the state's largest metro with major health systems and county mental health services, while Cedar Rapids and Davenport draw volume from regional hospital networks, residential treatment facilities, and school-based behavioral health programs serving their surrounding counties.
Are there remote behavioral health technician jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. The behavioral health technician role is primarily hands-on and requires direct client contact in residential, clinical, or community settings. About 41% of behavioral health technician openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically involve telehealth intake coordination, case documentation, or behavioral data review rather than direct care delivery.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health technician in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a direct support professional or behavioral health aide role at a community mental health center or residential treatment facility, where on-the-job training is standard. UnityPoint Health and Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines both run structured new-employee orientation programs that include behavioral intervention training. Earning a Registered Behavior Technician credential before applying significantly strengthens a candidate's profile and is attainable without a college degree. Adjacent roles like crisis line advocate or residential support worker are also common stepping stones into the field in Iowa.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health technician jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to behavioral health technician jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers across the state. Search for roles that match your experience level and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 60 Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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