Behavioral Health Tech (Overnight)

Center for Discovery; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Center for Discovery in McLean, VA seeks a Behavioral Health Tech (BHT) to support patients through treatment, contribute to planning, and help maintain safety and daily routines.

Responsibilities include assisting nursing staff, leading psychoeducational groups, documenting notes, and supporting admission through discharge. This is a part-time, on-site role with a night shift schedule and a focus on compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) preferred
• One or more years experience working within the mental health, substance use or eating disorder field preferred
• Valid and unrestricted State Driver’s License

Responsibilities

• Adheres to all DBH policies and procedures.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all patients.
• Facilitates patient daily needs per the program schedule, including meals, hygiene, and safety observations.
• Assists Nursing staff with duties as directed (supervision, vitals, searches).
• Recognizes and responds to crisis situations and provides interventions as appropriate.
• Documents shift notes and group notes by end of shift.
• Supports patient during admission and discharge processes.
• Monitors patient activity and maintains an organized, safe environment.
• Facilitates and leads daily groups as directed.
• Completes online training and ensures HR file is up to date.
• Provides transportation services as needed (pre-qualified to drive company vehicle).
• Familiarizes with CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.

Skills

Experience in mental health

Patient care empathy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

High School Diploma

Job description

Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM

At Discovery, we offer career opportunities nationwide in residential, day treatment, and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment. Discovery is currently seeking Program Directors, Primary Therapists, Facility Managers, Counselors/Mental Health Specialists, Dietitians, Diet Techs, and Nurses. Discovery is specifically seeking individuals who consistently strive to provide exemplary care and are passionate about transforming the lives of others.

If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the behavioral health field, the first step is to look for Open job positions that match your skills, qualifications and interest. Each posting includes a description and minimum required qualifications.

When we review candidate information, we are looking for the best matches for the position based on the qualifications listed in the job posting. If your skills and experience appear to match an open position, a recruitment services professional or hiring manager may contact you to further discuss your qualifications.

Position Summary

Behavioral Health Tech (BHT) is responsible for assisting and supporting patients through the entire treatment experience from admission through discharge. BHT will be contributing insightful, practical, and meaningful information to the treatment planning process. BHT responsibilities primarily include ensuring patient safety, providing patient interventions, leading psychoeducational groups, and supporting patients.

Essential Job Functions

• Adheres to all DBH policies and procedures.
• Conducts self in a manner that represents DBH values.
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all patients.
• Exhibits understanding and respect for cultural and lifestyle diversity.
• Understand and maintain professional boundaries and professional ethics.
• Follows directions as given by all facility leadership.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and records; and of facility/company proprietary, privileged, and/or confidential information.
• Facilitates patient daily needs per the program schedule, including but not limited to: waking/bedtime routines and hygiene, meals/snacks, bathroom safety observations, free time.
• Assists Nursing staff with duties as directed, for example: patient supervision, vitals, room searches, patient searches, etc.
• Recognizes, responds to, and assists in crisis situations and provides interventions as appropriate.
• Consistently reports to work on time and prepared to perform the duties of the position.
• Assists in the implementation of individual patient treatment plans per clinical team.
• Supports patient during admission and discharge processes. This may include checking in patient belongings, acclimating patient to the program, preparing patient for returning home.
• Monitors patient activity and documents any significant patient issues. Completes all shift notes, group notes, and other required documentation by the end of shift.
• Maintains and organized and safe environment and performs basic housekeeping duties.
• Conducts regular facility and grounds checks, advising facility leadership of any irregularities or safety concerns.
• Facilitates and leads daily groups as directed by facility leadership if applicable.
• Attends all staff meetings and in-service trainings.
• Completes all online training, policy verification, and ensures that their employee HR file is kept up to date.
• Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, errands, shopping, admits, outings, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle).
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Eating Disorder Division:
• Providing supervision and support to patients during mealtimes requires staff to eat meals and snacks with patients.
• Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
• Familiarizes and adopts the Philosophy, Mission, Goals, and Objectives of the Center for Discovery treatment programs.
• Has basic knowledge of the clinical orientation and interventions used at Center for Discovery.
• Residential Treatment Only:
• In states where permissible, passing medicine will be required. Training and/or required certification will be provided.

Knowledge, Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• High School Diploma (or equivalent) preferred
• One or more years experience working within the mental health, substance use or eating disorder field preferred
• Valid and unrestricted State Driver’s License

Employment Status: Part-time

Schedule: 10pm-6am, Monday-Thursday OR Thursday-Saturday

Work Location: On-site — McLean, VA

Discovery Behavioral Health seeks to build a diverse staff that is reflective of the patients we serve and the communities where we work. DBH encourages multiple perspectives, experiences, and strives to hire and retain a diverse workforce.

We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.