Each career in this healthcare field fulfills an important role. Some of these professionals may coordinate services together to ensure each individual receives the quality behavioral healthcare they need. With a variety of careers in behavioral health to consider, you may want to compare each job based on the typical responsibilities and what an average day might look like for these professionals.
A behavioral health technician, also known as a mental health technician, may work with inpatient or outpatient populations. They can provide care from intake to discharge and perform a variety of tasks.
These responsibilities can include helping new patients fill out paperwork, administering medication prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and monitoring patients’ vital signs and behavioral patterns. A behavioral health technician can also help other team members lead recreational or therapeutic activities. Sometimes, an empathetic ear is what a patient really needs, and behavioral health technicians can provide this, as well.
Behavioral health technicians can work in a variety of settings, including:1
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Residential mental health facilities
- Private clinics
The job of a behavioral health technician is an entry-level one. Job requirements will depend on the employer and the jurisdiction. Some aspiring behavioral health technicians may need a degree and/or certification.1
A psychiatric technician may work with individuals who have mental or emotional disorders or who have developmental disabilities. They are responsible for evaluating patients’ condition and progress and providing therapeutic care.
Working as a member of a healthcare team that may also include psychiatrists and registered nurses, a psychiatric technician may perform the following duties:
- Assisting with the patient intake and discharge processes
- Monitoring vital signs, including body temperature and blood pressure
- Observing patients’ behavior, listening to their concerns and recording details
- Reporting changes in patients’ behavior or well-being to the medical team
- Administering treatments, such as medications, in accordance with a medical provider’s instructions
- Restraining patients who become physically aggressive
- Helping patients participate in daily activities
Psychiatric technicians may work with patients who can be challenging at times.
It can be helpful for these professionals to have or be willing to cultivate the following skills:2
- Physical stamina
- Patience
- The ability to stay calm in high-stress situations
- Observation skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Compassion
The requirements to become a psychiatric technician can vary based on state requirements and employer preferences. Some psychiatric technicians may need postsecondary education, such as a bachelor’s degree. On-the-job training programs are common for this profession.2
A school-based behavior specialist is a professional who supports students with developmental delays, learning differences, disabilities or behavioral challenges. They typically collaborate with teachers and other school staff members, along with students’ parents or caregivers. Their goal is to provide the support students need to overcome behavioral and learning challenges in order to thrive in school and beyond.
Some of the typical tasks of a school-based behavior specialist may include:
- Evaluation: Behavior specialists assess students’ unique needs by talking to the students and those who interact with them and by observing their behavior.
- Planning: These professionals identify goals for each student and help develop an intervention plan.
- Implementation: Behavior specialists can assist with the implementation of a student’s behavior plan and troubleshoot any problems.
- Environment: Behavior specialists may work with teachers and other staff members to implement changes that ensure the learning environment is positive and supportive for all students.
- Records: Behavior specialists are responsible for keeping each student’s record up to date and for ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information.
It’s also important for behavior specialists to develop a positive rapport with students and parents. They need to convey caring and compassion in order to encourage students to work with them.
A mental health psychiatric aide is similar to a psychiatric technician or a behavioral health technician. However, they aren’t quite the same thing. The main difference between aides and technicians is that technicians can assist with therapeutic care, whereas aides focus on helping patients with day-to-day activities and with the general operations of the mental health facility.
A mental health psychiatric aide may work with patients with mental health disorders or behavioral disorders, as well as those with developmental disabilities. They may monitor the patients’ behavior and activities, relaying any concerns to a more senior member of the team.
In addition, mental health psychiatric aides may do any of the following tasks:
- Escorting patients from one location to another within the facility, such as from the patient’s room to the psychiatrist’s office
- Serving meals and assisting patients who need help feeding themselves
- Changing bed linens and performing other types of housekeeping tasks
- Assisting patients with the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and grooming
- Restraining patients who become physically aggressive, taking care not to use unnecessary force
- Accompanying patients to group activities, such as field trips
Like psychiatric technicians, a mental health psychiatric aide can typically expect to have a period of on-the-job training administered by their employer.2
Other types of behavioral health careers include positions within social services offices. The purpose of social services is to impact communities positively by promoting equality and opportunity. Professionals may work with individuals and or families to help improve their well-being. They may provide individual assessments or life skills group sessions, for example.
These types of positions can have a wide range of job titles, including:
- Case work aide
- Family service assistant
- Addictions counselor assistant
- Human service worker
- Clinical social work aide
Individuals who work in social services may carry out a wide range of tasks, depending on their employer and the needs of their clients.
These tasks might include:
- Identifying the type of help that a client needs
- Helping clients obtain assistance with their daily activities
- Researching services that clients may be eligible for
- Coordinate services for clients and help clients apply for assistance programs
Mental health case managers work with psychiatrists, assisting with patient screening processes in order to determine necessary treatments and a plan to carry out the treatment. In addition, they track progress throughout the treatment to ensure effectiveness.
A case manager might perform tasks such as:
- Helping clients make significant life decisions
- Providing advocacy services to clients in need
- Strategizing with clients on ways of improving self-management and quality of life
- Helping clients navigate official systems, such as applications for assistance
