Mental Health Technician

Apex Recovery LLC (TN) • Columbia, TN

5d

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician (MHT) provides direct support and supervision to clients receiving mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment in a residential or structured treatment setting. The MHT plays a critical role in maintaining a therapeutic environment, assisting with group programming, supporting client engagement in treatment, and responding to behavioral or emotional crises using de-escalation techniques. The ideal candidate is compassionate, observant, and skilled at maintaining boundaries while supporting clients in their recovery and stabilization process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a related behavioral health field preferred.
• Prior experience working in mental health, substance use treatment, behavioral health, or residential care preferred.
• Experience facilitating groups or working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of mental health conditions and behavioral health treatment.
• Ability to facilitate basic psychoeducational groups.
• Strong de-escalation and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Strong observation, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain active throughout the shift.
• Ability to respond quickly during crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain a calm and supportive demeanor in high-stress environments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in residential treatment, psychiatric care, or SUD programs.
• Training in trauma-informed care, CPI, or crisis prevention/de-escalation techniques.
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, supervision, and support to clients in a residential treatment setting.
• Monitor client behavior, mood, and safety throughout the shift.
• Assist clients with daily structure and participation in scheduled programming.
• Model healthy boundaries, coping skills, and appropriate interpersonal behavior.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and recovery-oriented groups under the supervision of licensed clinical staff.
• Encourage client participation in therapeutic activities and treatment programming.
• Assist therapists with group preparation, attendance tracking, and documentation.
• Recognize and respond to mental health crises and escalating behaviors.
• Utilize trauma-informed and therapeutic de-escalation techniques.
• Provide emotional support and redirection during periods of distress.
• Follow safety protocols and assist with crisis management when necessary.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment within the treatment program.
• Encourage accountability and adherence to program rules and expectations.
• Support positive peer interactions among clients.
• Document client observations, incidents, and participation in programming.
• Communicate relevant client updates to clinical staff and leadership.
• Participate in shift reports and team meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees