The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) plays a vital role in supporting clients in a residential treatment setting by providing consistent, structured, and professional day-to-day support. BHTs help maintain a safe, stable, and supportive environment, assist with daily routines and program activities, observe client behavior, and accurately report observations to the clinical and supervisory team.
The BHT role is non-clinical. BHTs do not diagnose, provide therapy, or clinically interpret client behavior. The effectiveness of this role is grounded in consistency, neutrality, professionalism, clear communication, adherence to established protocols, and maintaining a clean, organized, and structured environment that supports client care.
SHIFT OPENINGS: Swing (2:30PM-10:30PM) & NOC (10PM-7:30AM)
Core Responsibilities
Client Support and Daily Structure
- Support clients with daily routines including wake-up schedules, meals, chores, hygiene, and scheduled activities
- Maintain a calm, structured, and respectful environment that supports client safety and engagement
- Provide consistent, present-moment support without clinical interpretation or analysis
- Model appropriate boundaries, professionalism, and respectful communication at all times
Observation, Reporting, and Monitoring
- Observe client behavior, mood, participation, and interactions throughout shifts
- Accurately document objective observations in client records in a timely manner
- Collect and record required data related to client participation and progress, in accordance with facility protocol
- Report concerns, changes, incidents, or safety issues to the appropriate supervisor or clinician
- Avoid subjective language, assumptions, diagnoses, or clinical conclusions in documentation and communication
Withdrawal Monitoring and Health Checks
- Assist with withdrawal monitoring by completing assigned withdrawal assessments and vital signs in accordance with training, scope, and facility protocol
- Promptly report concerning findings or changes to appropriate clinical staff
- Follow all documentation, escalation, and safety procedures related to withdrawal monitoring
Program and Milieu Support
- Facilitate assigned program activities according to the established schedule
- Support adherence to house rules, structure, and program expectations
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment as a direct component of client care, supporting physical safety, emotional stability, and program structure
- Assist with grocery shopping, supply runs, and basic stocking tasks as needed to support daily operations
Facility Standards & Environment of Care
- Maintain facility cleanliness, organization, and readiness throughout the shift in alignment with BHT Facility Standards
- Consistently execute all expectations outlined in the BHT Facility Standards, including routine checks, resets, cleaning, and organization of all facility areas
- Ensure all shared spaces, client areas, and staff areas remain clean, stocked, orderly, and client-ready at all times
- Complete routine walkthroughs of the facility, including residential units, bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and outdoor spaces, addressing issues in real time when possible
- Maintain high-touch surfaces, food safety standards, waste management, and general facility hygiene throughout the shift
- Identify, address, and escalate facility concerns according to established standards and protocols when issues cannot be resolved during the shift
- Maintain responsibility for facility standards continuously throughout the shift, without deferring tasks to other shifts unless appropriately communicated and documented
Intake, Safety, and Searches
- Assist with non-clinical intake and discharge tasks, including required paperwork and orientation items
- Conduct room and belonging searches for new admissions, as well as routine and random room and belonging searches, in accordance with facility policy
Medication and Health-Related Duties
- Supervise self-administration of medications only after completion of required IMS and medication training
- Collect urine samples for drug screening via observed UAs in accordance with program policy and schedule
- Follow all medication handling, documentation, and safety protocols
Transportation and Logistics
- Transport clients to appointments, meetings, and approved off-site activities as needed
- Ensure client safety, professionalism, and confidentiality during transportation and off-site engagements
Communication and Team Collaboration
- Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, clinicians, team members, clients, and families as appropriate to role
- Participate in required meetings, trainings, supervision, and check-ins
- Seek clarification when needed through appropriate supervisory or clinical channels
- Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and facility privacy standards
Additional Duties:Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and expectations of the BHT role
Scope and Role Boundaries
- BHTs do not provide therapy, diagnosis, clinical interpretation, or treatment planning
- Clinical formulation and treatment decisions are the responsibility of licensed clinicians
- BHTs are expected to observe, support, and report, not analyze or interpret client behavior
- Questions or concerns are escalated through supervisors according to established protocol
Essential Skills and Competencies
- Strong behavior management and crisis management skills appropriate to training and role
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Strong observational and documentation skills
- Ability to collect, organize, and accurately report data related to client participation and progress
- Compassionate, professional approach with a commitment to supporting individuals in recovery
- Cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds
- Reliability, accountability, and ability to work effectively as part of a team
Technical and Computer Skills
- Basic computer proficiency required
- Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar)
- Ability to use professional email communication
- Basic internet navigation and document management skills
Work Environment
- Residential treatment setting
- Regular interaction with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders
- Team-oriented, structured, and fast-paced environment
Schedule Expectations
- Rotating shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Flexibility for coverage needs and emergent situations, as required
Compliance and Ethics
- Adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality standards
- Commitment to ethical, professional, and respectful conduct
- Compliance with all facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with substance use and mental health challenges
- Background in behavioral health, social work, patient care, or a related field
- Completion of required 16 hours of supervised IMS and medication training prior to independent medication supervision
- Availability for varied shifts as required by program needs
Licensure and Certifications
- Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) or equivalent, preferred
- Current CPR and First Aid certification
- Valid Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record
- Current TB test in compliance with facility requirements
Reports To: Leadership Team