Behavioral Health Technician

Discovery Behavioral Health•Fairfax, VA

146d•$16 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Tech I (BHT I) assists and supports patients throughout the treatment experience, from admission through discharge, and contributes practical information to treatment planning. The role focuses on patient safety, interventions, psychoeducational groups, and general patient support. The position facilitates patients’ daily needs according to the program schedule, assists nursing staff as directed, responds to crises, supports implementation of treatment plans, and helps patients with admission and discharge. It monitors and documents patient activity, maintains a safe and organized facility, performs facility and grounds checks, and completes required training and documentation. The role also requires professional conduct, confidentiality, respect for diversity, and adherence to company policies and clinical boundaries. Division- and program-specific duties may apply. Eating Disorder Division staff provide mealtime supervision and support, eat meals and snacks with patients, obtain food-safety certification within 30 days, and follow the applicable clinical and dietary models. Substance Use Division staff collect urine specimens securely and follow identification and chain-of-custody procedures. Residential Treatment staff may pass medication where permitted by law and may provide patient transportation and related services if pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Valid and unrestricted state driver’s license.
Obtain and maintain CPI certification within 90 days of hire; training is provided.
Obtain and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications; training is provided.
Substance Use Division: At least one year of sobriety if in recovery.
Eating Disorder Division: At least one year of recovery from an eating disorder if in recovery.
Residential Treatment transportation duties require pre-qualification to drive a company vehicle.

Responsibilities

Follow DBH policies and procedures and represent DBH values through respectful, professional conduct and exemplary customer service.
Respect cultural and lifestyle diversity, maintain professional boundaries and ethics, and preserve the confidentiality of patient and company information.
Facilitate patients’ daily needs according to the program schedule, including routines, hygiene, meals and snacks, bathroom safety observations, and free time.
Assist nursing staff as directed, including patient supervision, vital signs, and room or patient searches.
Recognize and respond to crisis situations and provide appropriate interventions.
Assist with implementing individual patient treatment plans under the direction of the clinical team.
Support patients through admission and discharge, including belongings check-in, program orientation, and preparation for returning home.
Monitor patient activity and document significant issues; complete shift notes, group notes, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
Maintain an organized and safe environment, perform basic housekeeping, and conduct facility and grounds checks, reporting irregularities or safety concerns to facility leadership.
Attend scheduled shifts and arrange coverage when unable to work, except in emergencies.
Attend staff meetings and in-service training; complete online training and policy verification and keep the employee HR file current.
Follow infection-control policies and proper hand-hygiene practices.
In the Eating Disorder Division, supervise and support patients during meals and snacks, eat with patients, obtain food-handling/safety certification within 30 days, and follow the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
In the Substance Use Division, collect urine specimens accurately and securely, verify donor identification, maintain chain of custody, and follow handling procedures.
In Residential Treatment, pass medication where permissible and provide patient transportation and supervision or related transportation services when pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle.
Perform other duties as assigned.