Behavioral Health Technician

Job Description:

Overview: The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct patient care and supervision to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The BHT supports the clinical and medical teams by monitoring patient safety, assisting with therapeutic programming, documenting patient behavior, and maintaining a structured and therapeutic treatment environment.

The Behavioral Health Technician works under the supervision of licensed clinical or nursing staff and functions as part of the multidisciplinary treatment team to support the recovery process and ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow all facility policies and procedures and conduct selves in a way conducive with Elevare Behavioral Health’s employee handbook.

• Maintains a high level of customer service demonstrating versatility and flexibility with quick changes of priorities.

• Maintain continuous awareness of patient location and behavior to ensure safety.

• Conduct and document patient safety checks, rounds, and observations in accordance with facility policy.

• Supports the admission process including but not limited to: consents and agreements, inventory, patient searches, patient orientation, etc. 

• Identify and report behavioral, emotional, or physical changes in patients to clinical or medical staff.

Reports any suicidal statements, gestures, comments, or suspicion to the medical/clinical staff immediately.

• Assists in AMA blocking of patients utilizing motivational interviewing skills – encouraging patients to continue to engage in treatment.

• Collect, monitor and document urinalysis samples and breathalyzer screenings.

• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow facility emergency procedures.

• Assist with patient searches, contraband monitoring, and environmental safety checks.

• Schedules and provides transportation in accordance with transportation policy and procedure.

o Maintains cleanliness of company vehicles

o Maintains travel logs and vehicle safety checklists

• Provide supervision and support to patients in daily activities.

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) as appropriate.

• Support patients in following treatment schedules and program expectations.

• Encourage patient participation in therapeutic and recovery-focused activities.

• Engages with patients in de-escalation utilizing their skills and training.

• Provide positive reinforcement and recovery-oriented interactions.

• Support the therapeutic milieu by maintaining a structured, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment.

• Assist with group and therapeutic programming as scheduled.

• Facilitate patient movement between scheduled activities.

• Monitor patient compliance with facility rules and program structure.

• Document patient observations, interactions, and incidents in the electronic health record in accordance with facility policy.

• Complete shift reports and incident reports accurately and timely.

• Maintain clear, objective, and behaviorally specific documentation.

• Participate in shift handoffs and communicate relevant patient information to the treatment team.

• Communicate concerns related to patient safety or treatment progress.

• Work collaboratively with therapists, nurses, medical providers, and program leadership.

• Provides backup support for reception.

• This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the Behavioral Health Technician role. 

Additional duties may be assigned based on program needs and operational requirements.

The Behavioral Health Technician is responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements including facility policies and procedures, patient confidentiality under HIPAA, and substance use treatment confidentiality protections under 42 CFR Part 2. 

The BHT must maintain professional boundaries and uphold patient rights at all times.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in psychology, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Counseling, or related field preferred.

Experience/Knowledge:

• Experience working in behavioral health, addiction treatment, psychiatric care, or healthcare settings preferred.

• Must have knowledge and experience working in Microsoft suites, including but not limited to: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

License/Certifications: 

• A valid driver license in the residing state with a clean driving record

• Current CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire

• Crisis prevention or de-escalation training (CPI or equivalent) as required by facility policy.

Competencies:

• Patient observation and safety monitoring

• Crisis prevention and de-escalation

• Professional boundaries and ethical conduct

• Documentation standards

• Therapeutic communication

• Trauma-informed care principles

• Infection control practices

• Emergency response procedures

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods

• Ability to assist patients in emergency situations

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

• Ability to respond quickly to behavioral or medical emergencies

Benefits/Perks:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings

Location:

Aurora, CO