Behavioral Health Technician - Adolescent Program

Behavioral Health Technician

$23-$24/hr ~ Full-Time, Part-Time & Per Diem ~ Day, Evening, Overnight & Weekend Shifts

$1.00 - $5.00/hour differential pay for evenings and weekends

Muir Wood Teen Treatment is hiring full-time Behavioral Health Technicians to work directly with adolescents in our residential mental health treatment and recovery programs in Petaluma, CA.

This is an entry-level role with full training provided. Ideal for people passionate about helping teens and/or interested in a career in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, education, or human services. No prior healthcare experience required.

This Role is Great For:

• People seeking meaningful work as a residential counselor or care coordinator for teens
• Anyone interested in mental health, youth development, or recovery-focused care
• Recent college graduates/students exploring careers in related fields
• Those looking for entry-level roles with hands-on training and growth opportunities

About Us:

Muir Wood helps teens ages 12-17 struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. We provide residential treatment in safe, structured environments where adolescents can heal and build healthy coping skills.

Our team includes therapists, educators, medical staff, and direct care professionals who all work together to support each teen's recovery.

What You'll Actually Do Each Day:

In this role (internally referred to as a "Care Coordinator"), you're a key part of our residential treatment team. This is hands-on work with teens in a 24/7 residential setting.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Supervise and support teens through daily routines: meals, chores, hygiene, recreation, and structured activities
• Monitor client safety, including one-on-one observation of clients at risk for self-harm, leaving the program (AMA), or eating disorder behaviors
• Manage crisis situations using de-escalation techniques, notify clinical staff immediately of safety concerns
• Conduct intake procedures, including searching belongings and securing contraband, medications, and prohibited items
• Administer and supervise medications per physician orders (training provided, state certification required)
• Conduct drug screening (urinalysis collection) as directed by clinical leadership
• Transport clients in company vehicles to appointments, activities, and outings (clean driving record required)
• Document behaviors and incidents thoroughly and accurately per legal and licensing requirements
• Communicate with therapists and counselors about client behaviors, progress and concerns during shift handoff
• Conduct safety checks of the facility, lead fire drills, and follow emergency protocols

Requirements:

Must Have:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid California driver's license with clean driving record (you'll transport teens regularly)
• First Aid/CPR certified or willing to obtain immediately upon hire
• Ability to remain calm and professional during emotional or challenging client behaviors
• Comfortable setting boundaries with teens while maintaining a supportive, caring relationship
• Reliable and accountable—teens depend on consistent staffing
• Genuine passion for helping adolescents during difficult times

Preferred (But Not Required):

• Bachelor's degree or coursework in psychology, counseling, sociology, or a related field
• Experience working with teens in residential settings, mental health programs, or youth support roles
• Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma, or substance use recovery

Shifts Available:

Full-Time, Part-Time, Per Diem available

AM (7:00am - 3:00pm)

Swing (3:00pm – 11:00pm)

Nocturnal (11:00pm – 7:00am)

Compensation:

$23.00 – $24.00/hour, based on education and experience.

$1.00 - $5.00/hour, differential pay for evenings and weekends

Benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

401k + Match

PTO/Sick Pay

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Discount Marketplace

Why Join Our Team:

• Meaningful work: Make a real difference in the lives of teens and families
• Full training provided: No healthcare experience required—we teach you everything
• Career growth: Gain hands-on experience for careers in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, or education
• Supportive team: Work alongside therapists, nurses, and educators in a collaborative environment
• Beautiful setting: Our Petaluma campus offers a nature-rich, therapeutic environment

Related Searches:

This role is also known as: Behavioral Health Technician, Residential Counselor, Mental Health Technician, Youth Counselor, Recovery Coach, Direct Care Staff, Mental Health Aide, Youth Support Specialist

Ready to Apply? Join Muir Wood and help teens heal.

Muir Wood Teen Treatment is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.