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Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Job Description

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) at Integrated Behavioral Health Group provides direct support and supervision to patients receiving behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services in residential and outpatient settings. The BHT plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, structured, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented environment while supporting the clinical team in implementing individualized treatment plans.

Under the supervision of licensed clinical and/or nursing personnel, the BHT assists with patient monitoring, milieu management, crisis intervention, psychoeducational support, transportation services, and documentation in accordance with applicable California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) regulations, HIPAA standards, and Integrated Behavioral Health Group policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care and Supervision

• Provides direct supervision, monitoring, and support to patients throughout the treatment experience from admission through discharge.
• Maintains awareness of patient whereabouts, behaviors, and overall safety at all times.
• Assists in establishing and maintaining a structured, therapeutic, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented treatment environment.
• Facilitates patients daily living activities and program routines, including wake-up and bedtime procedures, hygiene support, meals, recreational activities, and adherence to program schedules.
• Conducts patient room searches, belongings searches, and safety checks in accordance with facility policy and applicable regulations.
• Assists with admissions, orientations, and discharge processes, including inventory and documentation of patient belongings.
• Observes and documents patient behavior, participation, and significant events in the medical record in a timely, objective, and accurate manner.

Clinical and Program Support

• Assists clinical and nursing staff in implementing individualized treatment plans and behavioral interventions.
• Facilitates psychoeducational groups, recovery support groups, recreational activities, and community meetings as assigned and within scope of training.
• Provides appropriate emotional support, encouragement, and redirection to patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Recognizes, responds to, and appropriately reports behavioral health crises, medical concerns, and safety issues.
• Implements approved de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques consistent with company policy and training.
• Supports patients in developing healthy coping skills, communication skills, and recovery-oriented behaviors.

Safety and Compliance

• Adheres to all DHCS regulations, HIPAA requirements, OSHA standards, and Integrated Behavioral Health Group policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of all protected health information and proprietary company information.
• Completes all required documentation, incident reports, shift notes, and group notes by the end of each shift in accordance with documentation standards.
• Conducts regular facility rounds and environmental safety inspections, reporting any hazards or maintenance concerns immediately.
• Assists in maintaining a clean, organized, and safe facility environment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency procedures, fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures, and infection control practices.

Transportation and Administrative Duties

• Provides transportation services for patients as authorized, including admissions, medical appointments, community outings, recovery meetings, and errands.
• Operates company vehicles safely and in compliance with company policies and California driving laws.
• Attends required staff meetings, trainings, in-services, and continuing education sessions.
• Completes all mandatory compliance training and maintains required certifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates or Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Behavioral Science, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, mental health, healthcare, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in residential treatment, detoxification, crisis intervention, or recovery support environments preferred.

Licensure and Certifications

• Valid and unrestricted California Drivers License required.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain within designated timeframe).
• CPI, or approved crisis prevention/de-escalation certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use disorders, recovery principles, and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and observational skills.
• Ability to effectively manage crisis situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to complete electronic documentation accurately and timely.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency or crisis situations.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle when required.

Work Environment

The work environment may include residential treatment facilities, outpatient facilities, and community-based settings. Employees may be exposed to emotionally distressed individuals, behavioral crises, and varying environmental conditions consistent with behavioral healthcare settings.