Behavioral Health Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job description:

Make a Difference at Mending Hearts

Mending Hearts provides a safe, structured environment where women healing from addiction, trauma, homelessness, and co-occurring mental health disorders can find hope, community, and long-term recovery. We believe in the power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment to transform lives.

As a Behavioral Health Technician on our Detox and Residential Services team, you will play a critical role in delivering direct care and clinical support to women during the earliest and most vulnerable stages of their recovery journey. If you are passionate about supporting underserved women through trauma-informed care and want to contribute to a mission-driven environment, this is the role for you.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor clients continuously to ensure safety and adherence to program rules; complete safety checks, log whereabouts, and respond promptly to crises or elopement risks.

• Assist in crisis prevention and de-escalation using trauma-informed techniques; support clients experiencing withdrawal, behavioral disturbances, or emotional dysregulation.

• Provide structured supervision during daily routines, group activities, meals, hygiene, and medication observation as directed.

• Conduct client intakes and discharges, including drug testing, search and documentation of personal belongings, and entry of client data into Lightning Step or EHR systems.

• Maintain detailed, timely, and confidential documentation of client observations, vital signs, safety checks, incidents, and progress notes in compliance with grant and clinical standards.

• Engage clients in supportive conversations, model healthy boundaries, and refer clinical issues to appropriate staff.

• Encourage and support client participation in recovery-oriented programming, coping skill-building, and independent living activities.

• Assist with ADLs (activities of daily living), including hygiene, meals, hydration, and room upkeep when needed.

• Actively participate in shift handoffs, interdisciplinary meetings, and treatment team discussions to ensure continuity of care.

• Communicate client concerns, behaviors, and changes in mental or physical status promptly to nursing and clinical staff.

• Maintain professional boundaries while building rapport and demonstrating empathy and respect for each client’s lived experience.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and trauma-sensitive environment; perform routine sanitation checks and report maintenance concerns.

• Ensure secure handling of client belongings, valuables, and medications in accordance with policy.

• Adhere to HIPAA regulations, facility protocols, and all confidentiality policies.

• Follow all safety, ethical, and professional guidelines—including those associated with grant compliance, quality assurance, and patient rights.

• Participate in ongoing training, staff meetings, and quality improvement efforts.

• Provide transportation or coordinate logistics for client movement as needed.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support client wellness and facility operations.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License with an F endorsement (or ability to obtain an F endorsement within 2 weeks of hire)

• CPR certification (must be obtained within 90 days of hire; certification training provided through the company)

• Flexibility to work variable shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

• Strong commitment to supporting women in recovery, including those experiencing homelessness, trauma, or co-occurring disorders

• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations, using trauma-informed de-escalation and conflict-resolution techniques

• Effective observation and documentation skills to track client behavior, safety checks, and clinical data accurately

• Basic understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, including symptoms, risk factors, and recovery principles

• Demonstrated ability to maintain healthy boundaries, protect client confidentiality, and adhere to ethical standards of care

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications

• Six months or more of experience working in a detox, residential, behavioral health, or similar treatment setting

• Experience supporting women with addiction, housing instability, and complex trauma

• Familiarity with recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approaches and therapeutic interventions

• Knowledge of safety protocols, patient rights, and infection control practices in a hospital-like or licensed residential environment

• Experience documenting in electronic health record systems (e.g., Lightening Steps or similar platforms)

Disclaimer:

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the position, management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove duties as necessary when circumstances dictate (e.g., emergencies, changes in workload, special projects, or technological developments). This position is considered "at-will" under Tennessee law, meaning that either the employee or Mending Hearts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. This document does not constitute a contract of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply