Behavioral Health Technician
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Technician I is a frontline advocate providing person-centered, trauma-informed, and judgment-free care to individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises. The role supports clients’ dignity, strengths, and recovery goals through empathic listening, de-escalation, monitoring, and hands-on assistance in a safe and therapeutic environment at The Centers’ Glick Recovery Campus in Cleveland, Ohio. The campus is a 24/7 walk-in behavioral health urgent care and stabilization center that includes a Crisis Receiving Center, withdrawal management unit, and Crisis Stabilization Unit. The position includes direct care and observation, assistance with daily living, crisis response, recovery support, transportation to community resources, and coordination with the multidisciplinary care team. Staff maintain documentation and follow established safety, compliance, and care standards. This is a full-time role; onboarding begins July 2026. The work takes place in a fast-paced, high-intensity crisis care facility and involves regular contact with people experiencing acute mental health and/or substance use crises. The role requires physical stamina, emotional resilience, and participation in de-escalation and patient management during behavioral emergencies. Standard precautions, personal protective equipment, infection control measures, and potential exposure to communicable diseases apply. Clinical supervision and peer support are provided.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- CPR and First Aid certification required, or obtainable within 30 days of hire.
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must pass a background check, credentialing, and tuberculosis screening.
- Demonstrated emotional stability, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical, respectful care.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training, mandatory staff meetings, and clinical supervision.
- Physical stamina to stand and remain active for extended periods, respond quickly to crisis situations, and safely assist with patient management during behavioral emergencies per established training protocols.
- Emotional resilience for work with individuals experiencing acute mental health and/or substance use crises.
- Physical capability and willingness to participate in all levels of de-escalation.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
- Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) preferred, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification; may be completed within 60 days of hire.
- One year of experience in behavioral health, mental health, or crisis services preferred.
- Experience with individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities preferred.
- Hospital, residential, or crisis stabilization experience is a plus.
- Entry-level candidates with a strong interest in behavioral health and recovery-oriented work are encouraged to apply.
- Valid driver’s license preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide continuous monitoring and direct care to individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions in a respectful, non-judgmental manner.
- Observe, assess, and document client behaviors, symptoms, and vital signs, and promptly communicate changes to clinical staff.
- Collect blood and other specimens as ordered.
- Assist clients with hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and other activities of daily living in ways that promote dignity and independence.
- Use therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation techniques to promote safety, trust, and stabilization.
- Implement safety protocols and trauma-informed interventions to prevent harm.
- Participate in physical intervention and restraint procedures when required, following established safety and care standards.
- Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies and behavioral crises.
- Conduct environmental rounds and safety checks to maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic milieu.
- Facilitate and support therapeutic activities and groups that strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and recovery partnerships.
- Provide emotional support and encouragement, reinforcing hope, autonomy, and self-efficacy.
- Teach recovery and life skills using recovery-oriented tools.
- Transport individuals to community resources as needed.
- Support admission and discharge processes, including client orientation, belongings inventory, and transition planning.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record.
- Collaborate with nurses, clinicians, peer support specialists, and other team members to support coordinated, whole-person care.
- Adhere to The Centers’ compliance standards, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policies.
- Participate in ongoing training in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, restraint reduction, and safety procedures, as well as mandatory staff meetings and clinical supervision.
- Be physically capable and willing to participate in all levels of de-escalation with people present in Glick Recovery Campus crisis services.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
