Behavioral Health Technician

High Plains Mental Health Center; Hays (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Extended Illness Time

403(b) Plan

KPERS Retirement Plan

Sign‑on Bonus

Scholarship opportunities

Job summary

High Plains Mental Health Center in Hays, Kansas is recruiting Behavioral Health Technicians for the Crisis Intervention Center. This full-time, in-person role offers shift patterns from 11pm to 7am and a starting pay of $19-$22 per hour, plus potential $1-$3 more with differential and a $500 sign-on bonus.

You will provide direct care, support patients in crises, assist with daily living needs, and work with clinical teams to ensure safe, therapeutic care.

Qualifications

• Be 21 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass criminal background checks through KBI and KDADS.
• Be physically and emotionally capable of working in high‑pressure, emergency situations.
• Pass a pre‑employment drug screen; random screenings may occur.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and pass MVR checks; no disqualifying offenses in past 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to adults in mental health or substance use crises.
• Support patients emotionally through trauma‑informed conversations and de‑escalation.
• Assist with daily living needs including meals, hygiene, and group activities.
• Respond to crises using calm intervention techniques to make a difference.
• Document behavior and progress to support treatment goals and care planning.
• Collaborate with clinical teams and participate in shift‑change briefings for continuity.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Behavioral Health Techs Needed in Hays! Starting at $19-22 per hour—no experience needed!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 at 7:00am CDT.

Position: Behavioral Health Technician

Location: Hays, Kansas | Crisis Intervention Center

Pay

starting at $19-22 per hour (shift differentials available- earn $1-3 more per hour) | +$500 SIGN-ON BONUS

Job Type: Full-time | In-person

Schedule

11pm-7am | 5 days per week | [Week 1 = Week 3; Week 2 = Week 4] | Alternating weekends and holidays

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY

Be a part of history. High Plains Mental Health Center is proud to have launched one of Kansas’s first Crisis Intervention Centers (CIC) — and we want YOU to be part of this groundbreaking journey. This center is already playing a vital role in transforming mental health care across northwest Kansas by easing the burden on local hospitals and law enforcement, shortening inpatient waitlists, and providing critical mental health services close to home for those in need.

As a 24/7 inpatient facility, the CIC offers multiple shifts and a variety of career opportunities. Now is the time to raise your hand and secure your spot! For more information about the Crisis Intervention Center (CIC), please visit: [HPMHC CIC].

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Whether you're a CNA looking to step into the behavioral health field, or someone with a deep passion for helping others through mental health challenges, this role puts you at the heart of meaningful, life‑saving work.

As a Behavioral Health Technician, you won’t just be checking boxes — you’ll be a source of safety, stability, and support for people facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Working at our CIC, you’ll have a hands‑on role in:

• Providing direct care and supervision to adults in mental health or substance use crises
• Supporting patients emotionally through trauma‑informed conversations, de‑escalation, and behavioral coaching
• Helping with daily living needs like meals, hygiene, and group activities — all while building therapeutic relationships
• Responding to crises using calm, trained intervention techniques that truly make a difference
• Ensuring safety and accountability, including room checks, contraband searches, and regular patient observation
• Documenting behavior and progress to support treatment goals and care planning
• Collaborating with clinical teams and participating in shift‑change briefings to provide seamless, consistent care
• Upholding a safe, respectful, and healing environment for every person who walks through our doors

WHY JOIN US?

At High Plains Mental Health Center, we’re here for you — not only for the individuals and communities we serve, but for every member of our team. Our mission drives everything we do, and that includes supporting our employees with the same compassion, dedication, and care we offer our clients.

When you join us, you become part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work has a real impact. You’ll provide critical mental health services to those who need them most, while being part of a team that values your expertise, supports your well‑being, and invests in your professional growth through continuous learning and career advancement opportunities.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive Pay: starting at $19-22/hr [earn $1-$3 more per hour with shift differentials!]

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Excellent Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Extended Illness Time
• 403(b) Plan
• KPERS Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Benefits
• HSA & FSA
• Holiday pay [8 hours holiday pay in addition to any hours worked; our Center recognizes 7 holidays]
• Scholarship, work‑study, & internship opportunities for employees
• $500 SIGN-ON BONUS [awarded after successful completion of 90-day orientation]
• And more!

Requirements

• Be 21 years of age or older with a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Pass criminal background checks through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and KDADS
• Be physically and emotionally capable of working in high‑pressure, emergency situations
• Pass a pre‑employment drug screen (random screenings may occur)
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and pass Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks. No substance‑related driving offenses in the past 5 years.