Behavioral Health Technician

The Centers • Cleveland, OH

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician I serves as a frontline advocate for the individuals we serve, delivering person-centered, trauma-informed, and judgment-free care that honors each person's dignity, strengths, and recovery goals. Through empathic listening, skilled de-escalation, and hands-on support, the BHT I plays a critical role in creating a recovery environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to heal. This role is performed in a fast-paced, high-intensity crisis care facility. You will regularly work with individuals experiencing acute mental health and/or substance use crises. The role requires physical stamina — including the ability 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 is essential, and clinical supervision and peer support are provided to help staff process challenging experiences and sustain their wellbeing. Standard precautions, personal protective equipment, and infection control measures apply. Potential exposure to communicable diseases should be expected. Joining the GRC at launch is a rare opportunity to help shape the culture, standards, and practices of a first-of-its-kind facility in Cuyahoga County. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team — nurses, clinicians, peer support specialists, and community partners — united by a shared commitment to meeting people where they are and helping them on the path to recovery.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) preferred, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or obtainable within 30 days of hire)
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification (may be completed within 60 days of hire)
• 1 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
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Valid driver's license preferred
• Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must pass background check, credentialing, and tuberculosis screening
• Demonstrated emotional stability, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical, respectful care
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, restraint reduction, and safety procedures, as well as mandatory staff meetings and clinical supervision

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred
• Hospital, residential, or crisis stabilization experience a plus
• Entry-level candidates with a strong interest in behavioral health and recovery-oriented work are encouraged to apply

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; communicate changes promptly to clinical staff
• Collect blood and other specimens as ordered
• Assist clients with activities of daily living — including hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and self-care — in ways that promote dignity and independence
• Utilize 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
• Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic milieu through environmental rounds and safety checks
• Facilitate and support therapeutic activities and groups that strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and recovery partnerships
• Provide consistent 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
• Must be physically capable and willing to participate in all levels of deescalation with people present in Glick Recovery Campus crisis services.

Benefits

• Meaningful work
• Culture where people feel valued
• Clinical supervision
• Peer support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED