Behavioral Health Technician I
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct client support, supervision, and safety monitoring in a behavioral health and substance use treatment setting. This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, clean, structured, and supportive treatment environment for clients receiving detoxification, residential treatment, and/or recovery services. Behavioral Health Technicians assist with client observations, safety rounds, daily living activities, facility cleanliness, meal support, documentation, structured activities, and communication with the clinical and program teams. The level of responsibility, independence, and leadership will vary based on assigned level, experience, demonstrated competency, reliability, documentation quality, and organizational need.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- CPR/First Aid certification required.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and communicate effectively with clients, staff, and leadership.
- Ability to observe, document, and report client behavior accurately and objectively.
- Ability to follow safety, infection control, confidentiality, HIPAA, and organizational standards.
- Ability to work in a structured treatment environment with individuals experiencing substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and supportive during difficult client interactions.
- Ability to complete required documentation accurately and timely.
- Successful completion of background check, drug test, physical, and TB screening.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, residential care, mental health, crisis support, or a related setting preferred.
- Coursework or certification in behavioral health, psychology, substance use studies, human services, or related field preferred for higher levels.
Responsibilities
- Conduct regular safety rounds, client observations, and wellness checks in accordance with facility protocol.
- Monitor client behavior, presentation, participation, and overall safety, and report concerns to appropriate staff or leadership.
- Support clients with activities of daily living, including meals, laundry, hygiene reminders, room upkeep, and other daily routines.
- Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of the facility, including common areas, client areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and assigned workspaces.
- Assist with meal service, client supplies, facility inventory, and daily household operations.
- Support a structured and therapeutic environment by encouraging clients to follow program schedules, expectations, and community guidelines.
- Provide appropriate, professional, and recovery-focused client engagement.
- Assist with client admissions, discharges, belongings checks, room preparation, and orientation to the facility as assigned.
- Conduct and document behavioral observations, client interactions, safety rounds, incidents, and other required shift documentation accurately and timely.
- Communicate client concerns, behavioral changes, safety risks, medical concerns, or program issues to appropriate clinical, nursing, or program staff.
- Follow infection control, client safety, confidentiality, HIPAA, DHCS, and organizational standards.
- Participate in shift handoffs, team communication, staff meetings, trainings, and required competency activities.
- Support crisis prevention and de-escalation efforts within training and scope.
- Promote client dignity, respect, boundaries, and trauma-informed care.
- Safely operate company vehicles, when assigned and authorized, to transport clients to appointments, meetings, activities, or other approved locations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
