Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Job Description

Job Description

The Company

Mission: NOLA Detox and Recovery Center's mission is to put our patients first, offering a best-in-class approach to addiction treatment for anyone who seeks a path to recovery.

Vision: NOLA Detox and Recovery Center strives to create a world where the path to recovery is accessible to all and where individuals can participate fully in the health and happiness of life.

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) plays a critical frontline role in supporting patients throughout the detox and recovery process. The BHT provides direct patient supervision, emotional support, and assistance with daily structure while ensuring a safe, therapeutic, and compliant treatment environment.

Working alongside the direction of the Clinical and Medical teams, the BHT monitors patient well-being, reinforces treatment plans, assists with recovery-focused activities, and helps patients navigate supportive resources during and after treatment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Patient Care & Monitoring

• Monitor patients consistently to ensure safety, stability, and compliance with program expectations.
• Observe and document patient behavior, mood, and participation in treatment activities.
• Report concerns, behavioral changes, or safety risks promptly to nursing or clinical staff.
• Assist in implementing individualized treatment and behavioral plans as directed by licensed professionals.
• Conduct routine safety checks and room inspections in accordance with facility policy.

Supportive & Recovery-Focused Services

• Provide emotional support and encouragement to patients in recovery.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational or support groups as assigned.
• Assist patients with daily living structure and accountability.
• Support patients in accessing resources related to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and peer support networks.
• Encourage engagement in recovery programming and community-building activities.

Safety & Crisis Intervention

• Maintain a safe and structured therapeutic environment.
• De-escalate behavioral situations using approved nonviolent crisis intervention techniques.
• Alert medical or clinical professionals immediately in emergencies or high-risk situations.
• Follow all safety, incident reporting, and emergency response protocols.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely documentation of patient observations, incidents, and assigned tasks.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of shift rounds, including but not limited to both patient and facility.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of groups and activities.
• Assist with administrative tasks including intake support, discharge preparation, and patient tracking logs.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate with operations to maintain regulatory and accreditation compliance.
• Support incident investigations and reporting requirements.

Team Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in shift reports, team meetings, and multidisciplinary discussions.
• Maintain professional communication with clinical, medical, and operations staff.
• Participate in required trainings, certifications, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Model professionalism, appropriate boundaries, and ethical conduct at all times.

What It Takes to Win

• Strong active listening and communication skills
• Ability to build rapport while maintaining professional boundaries
• Social perceptiveness and emotional intelligence
• Critical thinking and sound judgment under pressure
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record
• Ability to establish respectful, therapeutic relationships with individuals in recovery
• Strong understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality standards
• Prior experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, healthcare, or social services preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Frequent walking, standing, and mobility throughout the facility
• Extended periods of observation and documentation
• Ability to monitor patients closely (near and distance vision)
• Occasional driving as required
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds

May require physical intervention consistent with crisis prevention training