Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) – Job Description
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) plays a key role in supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders. The BHT provides both direct care and supportive services, ensuring client safety, treatment participation, and daily functioning.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Supervision of clients
- Ensuring participation in treatment-related services
- Facilitating activities of daily living
- Monitoring client safety and daily activities
- Transporting clients, as needed
Minimum Qualifications
- Familiarity with the Twelve-Step program of recovery (Preferred)
- Familiarity with co-occurring disorders (Preferred)
- Ability to submit a Health Screening Report (DHCS 5077 – Residential Facilities)
- Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test result
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience
- Minimum of one (1) year experience in substance abuse treatment or other mental health setting (Preferred)
- Knowledge of Joint Commission standards (Preferred)
- Knowledge of Title 9 Licensing Regulations and DHCS AOD Certification Standards (Preferred)
- Knowledge of State & Federal statutes regarding patient confidentiality laws (Preferred)
- Proficiency in verbal and written communication
- Strong teamwork, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm and flexible under stressful conditions
- Familiarity with current technology and EMR systems (e.g., Kipu) (Preferred)
- Cultural sensitivity and commitment to working with an ethnically diverse adult population
Licenses/Certifications
- Valid CA Driver’s License (required if driving)
- Current Adult CPR certification
- Current Adult First Aid certification
- Registration with CCAPP, CAADE, or CADTP (Preferred)
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to:
- Transport clients to meetings, appointments, and outings according to schedule
- Maintain communication with supervisor regarding transportation and vehicle use
- Conduct client intakes, including property inventory and searches for contraband
- Monitor and supervise clients at all times; communicate regularly with the clinical team
- Support clients in adhering to treatment schedules and program rules
- Engage clients in therapeutic and structured activities
- Act as a role model of sobriety, sharing recovery experience when appropriate
- Ensure safety and order for clients, staff, volunteers, and visitors
- Enforce program rules and maintain facility cleanliness (including supporting client chores)
- Conduct regular room and facility checks for safety and contraband
- Perform drug and alcohol testing per protocol
- Monitor clients for medical or behavioral concerns, including detox observations (CIWAS, COWS, vitals)
- Oversee self-administration of medications, ensuring compliance with policy and documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including bed lists, incident reports, and client updates
- Distribute client mail while maintaining confidentiality
- Respond appropriately to medical and other emergencies
- Attend all mandatory trainings, conferences, and seminars
- Adhere to all confidentiality standards and protect client privacy in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policy
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
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