Behavioral Health Technician

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct, hands-on support and monitoring to clients across all levels of care at Imagine Recovery, including Medical Detoxification, Residential, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Under the direction of the Clinical Director and Director of Operations, the BHT observes and documents client behavior and status, assists with activities of daily living, supports a safe and therapeutic milieu, and reinforces the treatment structure established by the clinical team. The BHT serves as a consistent, supportive presence for clients navigating early recovery and plays a critical role in client safety, engagement, and the day-to-day operation of the therapeutic environment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS The following functions are considered essential to this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Maintain continuous visual and behavioral observation of clients across assigned units, including detox and residential settings. Conduct and document scheduled safety checks, room checks, and rounds per facility protocol. Monitor the therapeutic milieu to identify and de-escalate conflict, distress, or unsafe behavior among clients. Immediately report signs of medical or psychiatric emergency, withdrawal complications, or safety risk to nursing or clinical staff. Enforce facility rules, schedules, and program structure consistently and respectfully across all levels of care. Assist with search and contraband procedures at admission and throughout treatment. Medical Detox Support Assist nursing staff with monitoring detox clients, including observation for withdrawal symptoms, falls risk, and seizure precautions. Support timely vital sign checks and withdrawal assessment rounds (CIWA-Ar, COWS) under nursing direction. Escort and assist clients with mobility, comfort, and hygiene needs during acute withdrawal. Notify nursing staff promptly of any observed changes in a detox client's physical or mental status. Residential Program Support Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, meals, and daily scheduling. Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational groups, recreational activities, and structured programming as assigned. Transport or escort clients to appointments, groups, and off-site activities as needed and permitted. Document client participation, behavior, and observations in the electronic health record each shift. Support new client orientation to residential rules, schedule, and expectations. PHP & IOP Support Assist with client check-in, attendance tracking, and coordination of urine drug screen (UDS) collection per program protocol. Support group facilitators and clinical staff with room setup, materials, and session logistics. Monitor common areas and waiting areas for client safety and appropriate conduct. Communicate client concerns, no-shows, or behavioral observations to the treatment team promptly. Documentation & Compliance Complete shift notes, behavioral observation logs, and incident reports accurately and on-time. Maintain client confidentiality in strict accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations. Report unusual occurrences, client incidents, safety concerns, or near-misses using the facility incident reporting system. Participate in shift-to-shift handoff communication to ensure continuity of client care. Client & Team Support Provide trauma-informed, person-centered support that treats all clients with dignity and respect. Respond promptly and compassionately to client distress, conflict, or emergent situations. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and mandatory in-services. Support new staff orientation and peer training as directed by the Clinical Director or Director of Operations. Assist with infection control, supply management, and maintenance of clean, safe facility spaces. LICENSURE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS No history of disciplinary action, exclusion, or restriction affecting eligibility to work in a licensed healthcare or behavioral health facility. Compliance with all pre-employment and ongoing health screening requirements per Louisiana LDH and facility policy. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience High school diploma or GED required; some college coursework in psychology, social work, addiction studies, or a related field preferred. Experience or clinical exposure to detox, residential, or psychiatric care settings strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Basic understanding of substance use disorders, withdrawal presentations, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Ability to recognize and appropriately escalate signs of medical, psychiatric, or safety concerns. Strong observational skills and sound judgment in a fast-paced, high-acuity clinical environment. Ability to de-escalate conflict and manage crisis situations calmly and safely. Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, electronic health record (EHR) documentation systems. Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and client-centered care. Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Preferred Qualifications Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross -- REQUIRED; must be maintained without lapse throughout employment. Minimum six (6) months of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, direct care, or a related human services setting preferred; new entrants to the field are welcomed. Experience in a Joint Commission-accredited SUD treatment or behavioral health setting. Familiarity with ASAM Patient Placement Criteria and SUD levels of care. Familiarity with 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements specific to SUD treatment records. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS Ability to work in a clinical facility including detox and residential units with direct exposure to clients in acute withdrawal or distress. Must be able to stand and walk for the majority of a scheduled shift; ability to respond rapidly to emergent situations. Physically capable of performing CPR/BLS and participating in approved physical de-escalation Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs. (client assistance, supplies, equipment). Must be able to work Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. May be floated to any program level (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP) based on census and staffing needs. Use of standard personal protective equipment (PPE) required in applicable clinical situations. ADA / REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION Imagine Recovery is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employees requiring accommodations should notify Human Resources prior to their start date or as soon as the need is identified. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Imagine Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Imagine Recovery New Orleans