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Job Description: LPN Behavioral Health Technician (Skilled Nursing Facilities)

Hourly: $22 – $32 / hour — depending on experience, facility, shift differentials, and behavioral health responsibilities.

Position Title: LPN – Behavioral Health Technician
Department: Behavioral Health / Psychiatry Services
Location: Skilled Nursing Facilities
Reports To: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner / Clinical Supervisor
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The LPN Behavioral Health Technician plays a key role in supporting integrated behavioral health services within skilled nursing facilities. This position is responsible for conducting standardized behavioral health assessments—including PHQ-9, BIMS, and other screenings—to support accurate diagnosis, regulatory compliance, and person-centered care planning for residents. The LPN works closely with psychiatric providers, facility nurses, and interdisciplinary team members to optimize quality outcomes and ensure timely behavioral health support.

Key Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Screening & Assessment

• Administer PHQ-9, BIMS, and other approved mental health and cognitive screenings for assigned residents.
• Document assessment findings accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record.
• Identify changes in condition and escalate concerns to the psychiatric provider or facility nursing team.

Clinical Support

• Assist psychiatric providers by gathering resident history, current symptoms, and behavioral observations prior to evaluations.
• Support follow-up care by monitoring residents for medication effects, mood changes, or acute behavioral needs.
• Participate in care planning discussions and interdisciplinary meetings as needed.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure screenings are completed within regulatory timelines (MDS, PPS, admission/readmission cycles).
• Maintain consistent documentation that meets state, federal, and facility compliance standards.
• Assist in quality initiatives related to behavioral health integration, depression reduction, and cognitive monitoring.

Facility & Provider Support

• Serve as a behavioral health liaison between the psychiatric team and facility staff.
• Educate facility staff on the purpose and importance of mental health screenings when appropriate.
• Support smooth coordination of psychiatric caseloads and resident scheduling.

Qualifications

• Active LPN License (State of employment; in good standing).
• Experience in skilled nursing, geriatrics, behavioral health, or mental health preferred.
• Strong communication, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced facility environment.
• Professional, compassionate, and patient-centered approach to care.

Competencies

• Knowledge of geriatric mental health and cognitive disorders.
• Familiarity with PHQ-9, BIMS, and other screening tools (training provided).
• Ability to recognize behavioral changes and escalate appropriately.
• Strong rapport-building skills with residents, families, and facility teams.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on compliance and quality outcomes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods within the facility.
• Ability to interact with elderly residents with varying cognitive and functional levels.

Why This Role Matters

This position is essential in helping skilled nursing facilities meet regulatory requirements, enhance early identification of behavioral health needs, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and support overall resident well-being through integrated psychiatric care.