Behavioral Health Technician - 1st Shift

STR NEWCO LLC•Middletown Township, PA

27d•$19 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) interact with clients throughout the shift, assisting and supporting them with functional needs. They manage the facility’s daily milieu, help ensure client safety, and maintain a therapeutic environment. BHTs are expected to become familiar with clients’ histories and needs and identify cues or behaviors that may signal a change in status or condition. The role includes documenting in client records and communicating proactively with clinical team members and supervisors. The position is full-time and requires consistent availability for the Friday-through-Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule. BHTs work closely with program staff and facility team members, and maintain professional relationships with clients, families, clinical providers, referral partners, and vendors as needed. The position is based at STR Bucks in Levittown, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
At least 2 years of experience working with clients with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
At least 1 year of supervisory experience.
Valid, clean driving record for 3–5 years.
Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to complete certification within the first 30 days of employment.
Must complete required BHT and CPI training and be willing to recertify annually.
Ability to consistently work Friday through Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ability to communicate with peers, the general public, clients, and vendors.
Ability to move throughout the building and to sit or remain stationary for extended periods.
Ability to talk or hear, sit, stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell.
Ability to move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality and privacy.
Understanding of identifying abuse or neglect, universal precautions, infection control, and proper handwashing.
Ability to respond to emergency and safety drills, recognize and respond to aggressive behavior, and use crisis-intervention techniques.
Ability to perform CPR and first aid.
Ability to observe, supervise, evaluate, and document client behavior in groups and planned activities.
Knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders and ability to recognize client symptoms and distress.
Ability to communicate relevant information pertinent to client care and show consideration for values and cultural beliefs.
Ability to contribute to continuous quality improvement and promote positive customer relations with clients, staff, and visitors.

Nice To Haves

Drug and alcohol certification, or willingness to complete requirements within the orientation period.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the clinical team to select appropriate interventions based on individual client needs.
Engage clients in the milieu and activities throughout the workday, including group settings and outings.
Prompt clients to complete activities of daily living, including room cleaning, hygiene, and laundry, and conduct regular room hygiene checks.
Conduct client drug screenings, pregnancy tests, and breathalyzer tests as necessary.
Prompt clients to attend meals on time and provide supervision and structure at mealtimes; model appropriate table manners and conversation.
Provide and maintain a therapeutic environment in collaboration with other staff.
Interact therapeutically with clients individually, in the community, and in group meetings while maintaining boundaries and modeling appropriate social behavior.
Collaborate with the clinical team to facilitate client education groups.
Respond therapeutically to crises, use verbal intervention and de-escalation techniques, and involve other staff as needed.
Recognize clients’ behavioral functioning, mood changes, and escalation triggers, and adjust approaches to support coping skills, including DBT skills.
Maintain therapeutic relationships using praise and other reinforcers, and set limits in a kind and firm manner.
Document services, incident reports, shift reports, group notes, and milieu notes accurately and promptly, in accordance with policy.
Follow facility safety procedures, including fire drills, evacuation procedures, and internal and external disaster plans.
Adhere to the DBT model and interventions.
Complete vehicle safety and fuel checks before using company vehicles and report concerns to a supervisor or manager.
Support clients in managing leisure time, including participating in activities with them.
Greet guests warmly and answer and direct phone calls with a positive, customer-service focus.
Follow clinical precautions, including visual observations.
Transport clients to appointments and support them in regulating their behavior in the community.
Gather clients for outings and groups to promote program engagement.
Support medication compliance and client self-administration.
Prepare for client admissions by preparing rooms, completing intake documentation, documenting and storing medications, and searching and inventorying client belongings; notify the therapist of contraband.
Support discharge processes as needed.
Conduct chart audits according to program timelines when requested.
Attend work as scheduled, notify the supervisor of absences, and adapt to changes in facility functions, management styles, and routines.
Follow company ethics, conduct, and conflict-of-interest policies, as well as facility policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Maintain a positive attitude and work collaboratively with the treatment team.
Attend required supervisory trainings within assigned time frames.
Write clearly, informatively, and effectively, and perform other duties as assigned.