28 Behavioral Health Technician Interview Questions

1.

Have you implemented or revised individual patient treatment plans and goals?

Share your current and past experiences and go into as much depth as possible. This will show the interviewer that you have hands-on experience and are well trained for this role and can hit the ground running with minimal training.

Heather's Answer #1

"In my current role, this particular task accounts for 60% of my job responsibilities. I work alongside physicians and nurses to implement and revise treatment plans. I sit in on all group and private therapies, take notes and present cases to my supervisors. The doctors usually ask my input on what I think is the appropriate course of treatment and take that into account when writing prescriptions or treatment plans. "

Heather's Answer #2

"I work very closely with my supervising Clinical Social Worker to assess and guild each of our patient's treatment plans. After each session we review our notes, assure the patient is on track and adjust as needed."

Anonymous Answer

"I work alongside nurses and counselors to develop patient treatment plans according to the goals of the client."

Rachelle's Answer

Good start! Are you confident in your abilities when it comes to these tasks? It will be important to reinforce this in your answer.

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2.

Describe your working relationship with your previous or current colleagues.

When you answer this question be sure to remain positive, even if the experience wasn't. Avoid talking about any previous drama and do not speak poorly of your colleagues.

Heather's Answer #1

"I get along well with most personalities. My colleagues were great team players and we would often meet up after work for drinks or team activities."

Heather's Answer #2

"I have had better relationships in the past but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were all very different which made it challenging at times."

3.

Ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

The interviewer is interested in your long-term goals. This question is meant to ask if you are motivated and are a good fit for the company and if you have thought about a future in your career.

Heather's Answer #1

"I want to find a role where I can grow professionally and personally and take on challenges. In 10 years I'd like to be in a management role, pursue further education and build a career here."

Heather's Answer #2

"Ten years from now, I would like to be supervising or managing a team of my own. I am confident that I will progress at a rate that will make this a possibility."

Anonymous Answer

"In 10 years from now, I see myself growing professionally and personally. I want to be in a management role, pursuing further education, and build a career here. I am confident I will progress at a rate that will make this a possibility."

Rachelle's Answer

Good! You outline a few goals that could use more specifics. For instance, what type of continued education would pique your interest?

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4.

Do you prefer to work alone, or in teams? Can you please explain your answer.

As a Behavioral Health Technician, you will work on your own as well as a member of a disciplinary team. Give the interviewer examples of when you have successfully worked on your own as well as on a team.

Heather's Answer #1

"I enjoy working in teams and also on an individual basis. There are sometimes, for example, when I am charting or taking notes where I really prefer to work alone because it is less distracting. However, when it comes to finding solutions or treatment plans for patients or working on new internal processes for the clinic and patient care, I like to work with teams. Teamwork can really help with brainstorming ideas that can improve patient care. In my most recent role, we would have twice a week team meetings where we would discuss difficult cases and how to go about resolving them. This was a great way to get other members' input and come up with a great plan for patients."

Heather's Answer #2

"I have approximately 5 years' experience working in one-one-one sessions and am very comfortable in this singular environment. From what I understand, the majority of what you do at (organization's name) is one on one. Is this correct?"

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy working in teams and alone. Sometimes, for example, if I am note-taking or working on charts, I would like to be alone because it is less distracting. However, when it comes to patient care or treatment plans, I like to work with teams. Teamwork is beneficial when it comes to brainstorming ideas to improve client care."

Rachelle's Answer

Your answer has a lot of balance, which is fantastic. Your examples make sense as to when/why you would want to work individually and then with a team.

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5.

In the realm of behavioral health, what do you consider your specialty?

Show the interviewer your passion and the reason you got into this profession in the first place. Discuss your particular area of interest and why you think so in the first place. Explain to the interviewer that your specialty is because of a personal reason or something that you really enjoyed learning about.

Heather's Answer #1

"Addictions and substance abuse are my specialties in the behavioral health arena. I had a close friend in college who I lost due to heroine addiction and ever since then I have made it my goal to help people that suffer vicious cycles of addictions. I want to be there for patients who unfortunately have to turn to drugs because of the circumstances surrounding them. I am particularly interested in working at this facility - since this clinic has one of the best addictions/substance abuse programs in the country."

Heather's Answer #2

"One of my specialties is in my ability to sense the needs of others. I'm able to tailor my interaction based on the need of each child, coworker or fellow professional. I have taught many new therapists on non-verbal and verbal cues of patients, and am currently writing a paper on these methods."

Anonymous Answer

"My ability to sense the needs of others is my specialty. I can adjust my interaction to meet the need of each client, co-worker, or professional."

Rachelle's Answer

You sound highly intuitive and sensitive to others - very important qualities in your line of work. Well said!

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6.

What do you know about us as a company?

Always do your research before you meet with the clinic and go into as much depth as you can about their behavioral health program and what attracts you to it. Discuss the population that they serve, their community involvement any awards they have won.

Heather's Answer #1

"When I started looking for other positions to advance my career, I was looking for a facility with a great reputation and high patient volume. After reviewing this hospital's portfolio, I was intrigued to learn that you have been open for over 40 years and have established yourself as a leading behavioral health facility in Florida. Furthermore, I also reviewed physician portfolios and noticed that all physicians have graduated at the top of their class in their respective schools. I was especially attracted to your Drugs and Addictions program, which is currently rated number two in the Southeast region. I am passionate about helping patients in this particular area so I would love to be a part of such renowned program."

Heather's Answer #2

"I know that your center is one of the busiest in the state of Georgia. I look forward to the fast pace, challenge, and learning that a large facility can provide."

7.

Are you actively interviewing with other facilities or hospitals?

The interviewer is asking you this question to see if you are floating your resume or if you are a serious job seeker. Word travels fast so be sure to let the interviewer know if you are interviewing with other companies. Let the interviewer know what attracts you to their position over the rest.

Heather's Answer #1

"I am currently researching all the clinics where I feel their behavioral health programs are strong. I have shortlisted a handful and have applied. I had a phone interview yesterday with another clinic and they have invited me for an onsite interview early next week. I do not want to apply to programs just for the sake of applying. I am content where I am but am looking for the opportunity to grow and will only consider places that allow me to reach my highest potential."

Heather's Answer #2

"This is the first interview I've been on since I've decided to explore other options."

8.

Why do you want a career as a behavioral health technician?

This question is being asked to hear about your passion for helping patients overcome difficult situations in their life such as addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, abuse, harassment, etc. Give a specific example of when you helped a patient. Tell the interviewer about your patience and the ability to communicate with patients and physicians to develop specific treatment plans.

Heather's Answer #1

"I wanted to pursue a career in behavioral health because I am passionate about helping patients create a positive and healthy environment to help them overcome mental health disorders. Last week I helped a patient suffering from alcohol addiction realized that this is what I want to dedicate my time to."

Heather's Answer #2

"Growing up, I always had an interest in social work and behavioral therapy. After seeing a career counselor who suggested researching the mental health field I knew it was the right choice for me. I am very excited to take this first step in my career, now that my education and certification is complete."

Anonymous Answer

"I have a passion for helping clients create a positive, healthy lifestyle and help them to overcome addictions, trauma, and mental health disorders. It is so rewarding to witness client transformation from admission to discharge."

Rachelle's Answer

This would be rewarding, indeed! Going back to the basics even further...Do you remember what sparked your initial interest, or when you first learned that this could be a career option for you?

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9.

What tools do you use to efficiently manage your time?

Describe in detail any tools and means that you use to manage time. You want to let the interviewer know that you are tech savvy and well versed in some of the modern calendars and applications that allow for efficiency. This shows them that you are able to keep up with your schedule and organize your time appropriately.

Heather's Answer #1

"I use Outlook calendar to stay on top of my appointments for that day. I also use desktop post-it notes to make reminders of things to do - making appointments, reviewing patient plans or portfolios, speaking to the physician about an urgent case. Additionally, I block times on my calendar to catch up on emails or any to do actions that I might not have time to review. I do realize that not everything can be planned and there will be things that need my attention immediately. In cases like these, I make sure that I respond to urgent matters promptly."

Heather's Answer #2

"My go-to tool is pen and paper. I utilize a planner to keep my schedule at my finger-tips in case I'm away from my desk and Outlook calendar."

10.

Why do you want to leave your current employer?

Talk about pursuing a better opportunity. Do not discuss internal disagreements or talk poorly about your colleagues or boss. This will cast a negative light on you - always keep the interview positive.

Heather's Answer #1

"I have worked in my current role for ___ years and feel that I have reached my potential at this particular clinic. While researching your clinic, I was noticing how you have more programs that focus on ___, which is what I am interested in pursuing. I also feel that this clinic would provide me with more growth opportunities."

Heather's Answer #2

"I've worked with my current employer for the last 5 years. I'd like the chance to work with a more diverse population and your company offers that."

11.

How well do you work with people?

As a Behavioral Health Technician, you'll not only work one on one with a patient but you may also be a part of a multidisciplinary team. Describe your role when you work on a team. Tell the interviewer if you've been in a leadership position, took charge on a project or was recognized for your interaction with clients or staff. Provide an example of how you successfully completed a team task or project. Discuss any challenges and how you resolved it.

Heather's Answer #1

"I enjoy working with people because it teaches you the value of teamwork. Last week we worked on a community project that identified and assisted members of the community. I developed a great relationship with our community as well as got to know my co-workers better."

Heather's Answer #2

"As a Behavioral Health Technician, I work with people every day. I've built trust with my clients as well as a great working relationship with my coworkers which I value every day."

12.

Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor?

The interviewer is interested in your ability to successfully resolve a conflict with a supervisor. You can answer this based on your personal experience but make it a positive end result.

Heather's Answer #1

"I had a manager who I didn't see eye to eye with so I scheduled a meeting with him to see how we could work better together. After our meeting, we realized that it was just a miscommunication and we soon developed a great professional working relationship."

Heather's Answer #2

"All of my managers have been great so far! However, If I did have a difficult manager, I would schedule weekly or monthly meetings with them to make sure that there are no misunderstandings or reasons for concerns"

13.

Give an example of a time when you made a mistake because you did not listen well to what someone had to say.

We've all made mistakes because we didn't listen. Be sure not to avoid this question with a standard 'it's never happened to me.' Tell the interviewer if there was a time you missed details because you didn't give someone 100% of your attention. The ability to admit to your mistakes shows the interviewer that you are being honest and have truly learned something from them. Discuss a situation with a specific patient or physician interaction and what you learned from it.

Heather's Answer #1

"I was busy updating notes on a patient when I was approached by a doctor who had asked me to take notes on our next patient and record their upcoming session. Since I was multitasking, I did not hear the doctor's request and forgot to record patients ession. The doctor, of course, was a bit disappointed, and I sincerely apologized. From then onwards, I have made it a point to pay attention to anyone who is talking to me even if I am in the middle of something important. It is imperative that as a behavioral health technician, I respect the institution and act in the best interest of my patients."

Heather's Answer #2

"Multi-tasking is an important part of being a Behavioral Health Technician. To ensure that I don't miss anything I take detailed notes and keep a running to-do list. I've started taking detailed notes because of a meeting that I missed last month because I neglected to review my schedule before booking a patient."

14.

As a Behavioral Health Technician, what do you believe is your best asset?

The interviewer wants you to highlight your best attribute. They are asking you what you think you are great at. You should highlight that one attribute but also give a specific example of why you think so.

Heather's Answer #1

"The ability to instill trust in my patients is my best asset. I can listen to patients and create treatment plans accordingly. I can also listen to physicians and take orders to improve patient care. For instance, there was an issue when I was conducting a team session - one of the patients was shy. She would barely talk mainly because she was abused as a child and thought that no one understood or cared. I went out of my way to include her in our discussions. I even encouraged her to schedule a private session with me and a physician where she was able to open up and trust me. She has now moved on to live a happier life and still lets me know how she doing from time to time."

Heather's Answer #2

"My best asset is my listening skills. I've come to learn that not every client wants a solution to their problem, some just want to be heard."

Anonymous Answer

"My ability to form a trusting connection with my clients is my greatest asset. For instance, there was an issue when I was conducting a group therapy session - one of the patients was shy. It was very difficult for her to talk, as she was abused as a child, which led her to believe that no one understood or cared. I went out of my way to include her in our discussions. I even encouraged her to sit down with me and talk after the group, where she was able to open up and trust me."

Rachelle's Answer

Wonderful example of your kind character in action. This is a nice, memorable story that will help you to stand out in the interview process.

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15.

What are your salary expectations?

The compensation question can be very difficult to answer. It's always best to start with what you are currently earning and then discuss what your future compensation goals look like. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

Heather's Answer #1

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

Heather's Answer #2

"After researching the area, the salary range looks to be between $50k and $60k per year. As a new Behavioral Health Technician, I'm hoping to start around $50k."

16.