Behavioral Health Technician

The Centers; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Centers in Cleveland, OH, is launching the Glick Recovery Campus and recruiting Behavioral Health Technicians I to join the founding team. You will provide patient-centered, trauma-informed care and engage in activities that support recovery in a fast-paced crisis setting.

As part of an interdisciplinary team, you will document, de-escalate crises, and assist with daily living tasks while navigating evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• CBHT preferred or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or obtainable within 30 days).
• CPI certification (may be completed within 60 days of hire).
• 1 year of experience in behavioral health, mental health, or crisis services preferred.
• Must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license preferred.
• Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous monitoring and direct care to individuals in crisis.
• Observe, assess, and document client behaviors and vital signs.
• Collect blood and other specimens as ordered.
• Assist with activities of daily living to promote dignity and independence.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques to promote safety.
• Implement safety protocols and trauma-informed interventions.
• Respond to emergencies and crises promptly.
• Maintain a clean, safe milieu through rounds and safety checks.
• Support therapeutic activities and groups to strengthen coping skills.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Collaborate with nurses, clinicians, and peers for coordinated care.
• Adhere to compliance standards and policies.

Skills

Empathy

De-escalation

Documentation

Crisis response

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related field

CBHT certification preferred or able to obtain within 6 months

CPR and First Aid certification

CPI certification within 60 days

1 year of behavioral health/crisis services experience preferred

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Behavioral Health Technician I — Glick Recovery Campus

The Centers | Cleveland, Ohio | Full-Time | Onboarding begins July 2026

Why The Centers?

At The Centers, meaningful work is grounded in a culture where people feel valued. As a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner — recognized nationally based entirely on employee feedback — we are an organization built on trust, purpose, and care. When you join us, you join a mission-driven team committed to transforming lives across the communities we serve.

A New Era in Behavioral Health Crisis Care

We are proud to be opening the Glick Recovery Campus (GRC) — Cuyahoga County's first 24/7, walk-in behavioral health urgent care and stabilization center — in partnership with Cuyahoga County and the ADAMHS Board. The GRC will include a Crisis Receiving Center, the Rosary Hall Withdrawal Management Unit, and a Crisis Stabilization Unit, offering individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance use crises a safe, welcoming alternative to emergency rooms, jail, or the streets.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC), The Centers provides comprehensive care to medically underserved individuals — particularly those navigating mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

We are currently recruiting Behavioral Health Technicians I (BHT I) to join our founding team at this landmark facility.

About the Role

The Behavioral Health Technician I serves as a frontline advocate for the individuals we serve, delivering person-centered, trauma-informed, and judgment-free care that honors each person's dignity, strengths, and recovery goals. Through empathic listening, skilled de‑escalation, and hands‑on support, the BHT I plays a critical role in creating a recovery environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to heal.

What You Will Do

Direct Care & Monitoring

Provide continuous monitoring and direct care to individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, substance use disorders, and co‑occurring conditions in a respectful, non‑judgmental manner

Observe, assess, and document client behaviors, symptoms, and vital signs; communicate changes promptly to clinical staff

Collect blood and other specimens as ordered

Assist clients with activities of daily living — including hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and self‑care — in ways that promote dignity and independence

Safety & Crisis Response

Utilize therapeutic communication and verbal de‑escalation techniques to promote safety, trust, and stabilization

Implement safety protocols and trauma‑informed interventions to prevent harm

Participate in physical intervention and restraint procedures when required, following established safety and care standards

Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies and behavioral crises

Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic milieu through environmental rounds and safety checks

Recovery Support & Engagement

Facilitate and support therapeutic activities and groups that strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and recovery partnerships

Provide consistent emotional support and encouragement, reinforcing hope, autonomy, and self‑efficacy

Teach recovery and life skills using recovery‑oriented tools

Transport individuals to community resources as needed

Support admission and discharge processes, including client orientation, belongings inventory, and transition planning

Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record

Collaborate with nurses, clinicians, peer support specialists, and other team members to support coordinated, whole‑person care

Adhere to The Centers' compliance standards, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policies

What We Are Looking For

Education & Credentials

High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred

Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) preferred, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

CPR and First Aid certification required (or obtainable within 30 days of hire)

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification (may be completed within 60 days of hire)

Experience

1 year of experience in behavioral health, mental health, or crisis services preferred

Experience with individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders or developmental disabilities preferred

Hospital, residential, or crisis stabilization experience a plus

Additional Requirements

Minimum age of 18 years

Valid driver's license preferred

Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Must pass background check, credentialing, and tuberculosis screening

Demonstrated emotional stability, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical, respectful care

Willingness to participate in ongoing training in crisis intervention, trauma‑informed care, restraint reduction, and safety procedures, as well as mandatory staff meetings and clinical supervision

This role is performed in a fast‑paced, high‑intensity crisis care facility. You will regularly work with individuals experiencing acute mental health and/or substance use crises. The role requires physical stamina — including the ability to stand and remain active for extended periods, respond quickly to crisis situations, and safely assist with patient management during behavioral emergencies per established training protocols. Emotional resilience is essential, and clinical supervision and peer support are provided to help staff process challenging experiences and sustain their wellbeing.

Standard precautions, personal protective equipment, and infection control measures apply. Potential exposure to communicable diseases should be expected.

Why Join Our Founding Team?

Joining the GRC at launch is a rare opportunity to help shape the culture, standards, and practices of a first‑of‑its‑kind facility in Cuyahoga County. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team — nurses, clinicians, peer support specialists, and community partners — united by a shared commitment to meeting people where they are and helping them on the path to recovery.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Onboarding begins July 2026.

Must be physically capable and willing to participate in all levels of deescalation with people present in Glick Recovery Campus crisis services.

The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.