Behavioral Health Technician

Ascension Recovery Services•Iowa City, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) – Recovery Support Specialist provides direct, hands-on support to patients throughout their treatment experience. You'll spend your shift interacting with patients, helping maintain a safe and structured environment, supporting daily routines and recovery activities, monitoring patient wellbeing, and communicating important observations to the clinical and medical teams. This is a great opportunity for someone who is compassionate, dependable, comfortable working directly with people, and passionate about behavioral health and recovery.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Valid driver's license and ability to meet Company driving requirements.
Ability to successfully complete required background and motor vehicle screenings.
Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Peer Recovery Specialist or other recognized peer recovery credential strongly preferred.
Bachelor's degree in human services, behavioral health, psychology, social work, or related field.
One or more years of experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, residential treatment, or human services.
CNA and/or QMA experience or certification.
Knowledge of peer recovery principles, 12-Step programs, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Lived recovery experience is valued where appropriate to the position and consistent with applicable organizational requirements.

Responsibilities

Build supportive, professional relationships with patients while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries.
Assist patients with daily routines, activities, community meetings, appointments, and recovery programming.
Welcome and orient new patients to the facility, including program expectations, schedules, rules, and resources.
Encourage patient participation in treatment and recovery activities.
Observe patient behaviors, progress, and concerns and communicate relevant information to the treatment team.
Facilitate or co-facilitate approved recovery, psychoeducational, or skills-based groups as assigned.
Provide calm, compassionate support to patients experiencing emotional distress, withdrawal symptoms, or crisis situations.
Conduct scheduled patient observations, safety checks, and facility rounds.
Monitor the treatment environment for patient safety and adherence to program expectations.
Obtain vital signs, urine drug screens, and breathalyzer testing as trained and authorized.
Maintain appropriate documentation and chain-of-custody procedures.
Follow emergency, fire safety, visitor, elopement, and other facility safety procedures.
Immediately escalate medical, behavioral, safety, or other patient concerns to the appropriate clinical or medical team member.
Complete required patient documentation, progress notes, incident reports, and other records accurately and timely.
Support the treatment team with scheduling, patient activities, and other program needs.
Assist with meal service, facility organization, and maintaining a clean, safe, recovery-focused environment.
Protect patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational privacy requirements.
Collaborate with nursing, clinical, medical, and operational team members to support continuity of care.
Safely transport patients to approved appointments, recovery meetings, and community activities as assigned.
Follow all Company transportation and patient safety requirements.

Benefits

ICHRA Health Benefit – choose the health plan that best fits your needs with premium reimbursement
Dental and Vision Insurance
Employer-Paid Life Insurance with optional supplemental coverage
401(k) Retirement Plan
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid training and professional development opportunities
Career pathways and advancement opportunities
Supportive, trauma-informed work environment
Modern facilities and updated tools
Accessible leadership invested in your success