Behavioral Health Technician
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supports clients in detoxification and residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The role helps maintain a safe, therapeutic environment by providing emotional support, structure, and supervision in accordance with facility policies, regulatory standards, and individualized treatment plans. The BHT monitors clients during detox and residential care, supports daily routines and activities of daily living, assists with admissions and discharges, conducts safety rounds, and responds to crises using de-escalation techniques. The role also documents observations and incidents in electronic medical record systems, communicates with nursing and clinical staff, supports treatment-plan activities and groups, and helps maintain residential and common areas. This position is in a detox and residential treatment setting and involves exposure to people experiencing withdrawal or emotional distress. The posting specifies overnight hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., including weekend shifts, and notes the need for flexible scheduling that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- At least one year of experience in behavioral health, substance use, or residential care preferred.
- Knowledge of detox and recovery processes, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record for transport duties.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Reliable documentation and organizational abilities.
- Ability to remain calm in crisis situations.
- Compassionate, ethical, and client-centered approach to care.
- Proficiency with EMR systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods and respond quickly to emergencies.
- Availability for overnight hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., including weekend shifts; flexible scheduling may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Nice To Haves
- CPI or equivalent crisis intervention training preferred.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assist clients during detox and residential treatment to support safety, comfort, and compliance with clinical guidelines.
- Observe clients’ behavior and physical condition and promptly report changes or incidents to nursing and clinical staff.
- Support clients with daily routines, hygiene, and activities of daily living.
- Assist with admissions, orientations, room assignments, and discharges.
- Model healthy boundaries and positive interpersonal communication.
- Conduct rounds using ObservSmart, head counts, and environmental safety checks according to protocol.
- Respond to crises or behavioral escalations using de-escalation techniques.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow HIPAA, DCF, facility, safety, and accreditation requirements.
- Document observations, interactions, and activities in EMR systems; complete incident reports, shift notes, and behavior logs promptly.
- Communicate with nursing, clinical, and administrative staff.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and supervision as required.
- Monitor or assist with educational, recreational, or recovery groups.
- Escort clients to activities, appointments, airports, and facilities.
- Maintain cleanliness and order in residential and common areas.
- Support implementation of client treatment plans.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
