Behavioral Health Technician

Position Summary

Behavioral Health Tech I (BHT I) is responsible for assisting and supporting patients through the entire treatment experience from admission through discharge. BHT I will be contributing insightful, practical, and meaningful information to the treatment planning process. BHT I responsibilities primarily include ensuring patient safety, providing patient interventions, leading psychoeducational groups, and supporting patients.

Essential Job Functions

• Adheres to all DBH policies and procedures.
• Conducts self in a manner that represents DBH values.
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all patients.
• Exhibits understanding and respect for cultural and lifestyle diversity.
• Understands and maintains professional boundaries and professional ethics.
• Follows directions as given by facility leadership.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and records; and of facility/company proprietary, privileged, and/or confidential information.
• Facilitates patient daily needs per the program schedule, including but not limited to: waking/bedtime routines and hygiene, meals/snacks, bathroom safety observations, free time.
• Assists nursing staff with duties as directed, for example: patient supervision, vitals, room searches, patient searches, etc.
• Recognizes, responds to, and assists in crisis situations and provides interventions as appropriate.
• Consistently reports to work on time and prepared to perform the duties of the position.
• Assists in the implementation of individual patient treatment plans per clinical team.
• Supports patients during admission and discharge processes, including checking in patient belongings, acclimating patients to the program, preparing patients for returning home.
• Monitors patient activity and documents any significant patient issues.
• Ensures accuracy and timely completion of all shift notes, group notes, and other required documentation by the end of shift.
• Maintains an organized and safe environment and performs basic housekeeping duties.
• Conducts regular facility and grounds checks, advising facility leadership of any irregularities or safety concerns.
• Responsible for scheduled shifts and finding coverage if a shift cannot be worked, unless experiencing an emergency.
• Attends all staff meetings and in‑service trainings.
• Completes all online training, policy verification, and ensures that their employee HR file is kept up to date.
• Observes infection control policies and participates in proper hand hygiene.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Eating Disorder Division: Provides supervision and support to patients during mealtimes, requiring staff to eat meals and snacks with patients; obtain Food Handling/Safety certification within 30 days of hire (training provided); tasks include food temperature checks, expiration date checks, and proper food storage; must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
• Substance Use Division: Accurately and securely collects urine specimens, including verifying donor identification, ensuring chain of custody, and following specific handling procedures.
• Residential Treatment Only: In states where permissible, passing medicine will be required; training and/or required certification will be provided.
• Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, errands, shopping, admits, outings, etc. (must be pre‑qualified to drive a company vehicle).

Knowledge, Education & Experience

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) preferred.
• Valid and unrestricted State Driver's License.
• Must obtain and maintain CPI certification within 90 days of hire (training provided).
• Must obtain and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (training provided).
• Substance Use Division: Minimum 1 year sobriety if in recovery.
• Eating Disorder Division: Minimum 1 year recovery from eating disorder if in recovery.

Employment Status

Full‑time

Schedule

Monday‑Friday, 11:00 am‑7:00 pm

Compensation

Pay Range: $16.00‑25.00 hourly