Navy NEC · Medical

L24A Behavioral Health Technician

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

Overview

Behavioral Health Technicians assist licensed providers with assessments, crisis triage and management, short-term counseling, psychological testing, and therapy groups. They provide interventions for trauma, mental illness, and crises while observing patients and documenting care in inpatient, outpatient, and operational environments.

Minimum clearance: Secret

Core Skills

  • behavioral health observation
  • crisis triage support
  • trauma intervention
  • group therapy facilitation
  • short term counseling support
  • psychological test administration
  • patient safety monitoring
  • clinical documentation
  • operational stress control
  • behavioral health education

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
  • Allscripts Sunrise
  • Cerner ProFile
  • Epic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System

Civilian Career Paths

  • Behavioral Health
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Public Health

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)
  • Crisis Prevention Institute Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification
  • CPR/BLS Certification

Career Growth

  • Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician (NCPT)
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

Also Common

  • Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist

What the Work Involves

  • Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
  • Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
  • Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
  • Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
  • Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.

Related Occupations

  • Psychiatric Aides
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapy Aides
  • Physical Therapist Aides

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.

Defense contractor jobs for L24A

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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