Behavioral Health Milieu Tech

Behavioral Health Milieu Technician (BHMT) are mental health employees who provide hands‑on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental health and medical diagnoses. BHMT’s perform a vital front‑line function as they observe, treat and interact with patients and families. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse as part of an inpatient/hospital unit, they perform a variety of routine direct patient care, environmental and administrative support activities to promote the health, safety, and comfort of patients and families.

The BHMT will also assist in educational, recreational and therapeutic activities when deemed appropriate.

• Assist or lead educational, recreational and therapeutic activities and group activities in the Milieu, including conflict resolution, stress management and recreational activities.
• Provide direct patient care that addresses the population‑specific needs of the patients on the unit, such as obtaining vital signs, performing point‑of‑care testing, and collecting data during intake/admission.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment, communicate observations of patient escalation or increased risk for aggression or self‑harm, and support visitation guidelines and policies.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, transport patients, and help with admissions and discharges.
• Assist in procedural holds, application and removal of physical restraints, and demonstrate awareness of safety needs and basic medical terminology, infection control, risk management, and environmental policies.
• Identify unit/ patient needs, report and resolve potential or actual escalations, and demonstrate appropriate critical incident follow‑up skills.

• Associate degree required with a minimum of six months direct patient or client care; OR high school diploma, GED equivalent, or higher education combined with three years of experience in a mental health related field.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant required upon hire.
• Crisis Intervention training certification required within three months of hire and maintained at all times.

• Understanding and following Connecticut Children’s policies and procedures.
• Basic medical terminology, mathematics and measurements.
• Understanding of reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive and self‑harming behavior.
• Basic understanding of trauma‑informed care and infection control policies and procedures.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication.
• Conscientious sense of self and motivation to help others.
• Stress management and composure.
• Blocking and redirecting patient movements.
• Physical interventions in response to aggressive and self‑injurious behavior.
• Ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene when protective holds are deemed necessary.

• Maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
• Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry, use of collaborative care and safety plans, and documentation in the medical record.
• Work across all levels of the organization.