Behavioral Health Technician

Ascension Recovery Services; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ICHRA Health Benefit

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirem.

Paid Time Off

EAP

Training & Development

Career Growth

Trauma-informed Environment

Modern facilities

Accessible Leadership

Job summary

Thrive Now Recovery Center in Iowa City, IA, seeks a Behavioral Health Technician – Recovery Support Specialist to provide direct, hands-on support to patients throughout their treatment experience. You’ll help maintain a safe, structured environment and support daily routines and recovery activities.

This role offers meaningful patient interaction, collaboration with clinical teams, and opportunities to grow within a multidisciplinary behavioral health setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Company driving requirements.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive, professional relationships with patients while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries.
• Assist patients with daily routines, activities, community meetings, appointments, and recovery programming.
• Welcome and orient new patients to the facility, including program expectations, schedules, rules, and resources.
• Encourage patient participation in treatment and recovery activities.
• Observe patient behaviors, progress, and concerns and communicate relevant information to the treatment team.
• Facilitate or co–facilitate approved recovery, psychoeducational, or skills–based groups as assigned.
• Provide calm, compassionate support to patients experiencing emotional distress, withdrawal symptoms, or crisis situations.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, psychology, social work, or related field

Job description

Behavioral Health Technician – Recovery Support Specialist

Thrive Now Recovery Center

Location: Iowa City, Iowa

Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Available Shifts

• 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
• 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:30 AM

About The Role

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) – Recovery Support Specialist provides direct, hands‑on support to patients throughout their treatment experience.

You’ll spend your shift interacting with patients, helping maintain a safe and structured environment, supporting daily routines and recovery activities, monitoring patient wellbeing, and communicating important observations to the clinical and medical teams.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is compassionate, dependable, comfortable working directly with people, and passionate about behavioral health and recovery.

Why You Should Join Us

This isn’t a job where you’ll sit behind a desk all day. You’ll be part of the daily recovery experience and have the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

You’ll also join a multidisciplinary team of behavioral health professionals who believe in collaboration, professional growth, and supporting one another.

Benefits

• ICHRA Health Benefit – choose the health plan that best fits your needs with premium reimbursement
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Career pathways and advancement opportunities
• Supportive, trauma-informed work environment
• Modern facilities and updated tools
• Accessible leadership invested in your success

What You’ll Do

Patient Support & Engagement

• Build supportive, professional relationships with patients while maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries.
• Assist patients with daily routines, activities, community meetings, appointments, and recovery programming.
• Welcome and orient new patients to the facility, including program expectations, schedules, rules, and resources.
• Encourage patient participation in treatment and recovery activities.
• Observe patient behaviors, progress, and concerns and communicate relevant information to the treatment team.
• Facilitate or co–facilitate approved recovery, psychoeducational, or skills–based groups as assigned.
• Provide calm, compassionate support to patients experiencing emotional distress, withdrawal symptoms, or crisis situations.

Safety & Patient Monitoring

• Conduct scheduled patient observations, safety checks, and facility rounds.
• Monitor the treatment environment for patient safety and adherence to program expectations.
• Obtain vital signs, urine drug screens, and breathalyzer testing as trained and authorized.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and chain–of–custody procedures.
• Follow emergency, fire safety, visitor, elopement, and other facility safety procedures.
• Immediately elevate medical, behavioral, safety, or other patient concerns to the appropriate clinical or medical team member.

Documentation & Operations

• Complete required patient documentation, progress notes, incident reports, and other records accurately and timely.
• Support the treatment team with scheduling, patient activities, and other program needs.
• Assist with meal service, facility organization, and maintaining a clean, safe, recovery–focused environment.
• Protect patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and organizational privacy requirements.
• Collaborate with nursing, clinical, medical, and operational team members to support continuity of care.

Transportation & Community Support

• Safely transport patients to approved appointments, recovery meetings, and community activities as assigned.
• Follow all Company transportation and patient safety requirements.

Who You Are

You’re someone who can connect with people while maintaining healthy professional boundaries. You’re dependable, observant, and willing to step in when your team needs you.

You understand that patients may be experiencing some of the most challenging days of their lives, and you’re able to remain calm, respectful, and compassionate while still maintaining structure and accountability.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Company driving requirements.
• Ability to successfully complete required background and motor vehicle screenings.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Peer Recovery Specialist or other recognized peer recovery credential strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, psychology, social work, or related field.
• One or more years of experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, residential treatment, or human services.
• CNA and/or QMA experience or certification.
• Knowledge of peer recovery principles, 12–Step programs, substance use disorders, and co–occurring mental health conditions.
• Lived recovery experience is valued where appropriate to the position and consistent with applicable organizational requirements.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position works on‑site in an active behavioral health and substance use treatment environment and requires regular interaction with patients.

Team members must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, bend, reach, and assist with physical tasks as needed. The position may require lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.

The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, respond appropriately to emergencies, maintain attention during patient monitoring, and remain professional when working with individuals experiencing withdrawal, emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or crisis.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re looking for more than just a job and want the opportunity to support people as they work toward lasting recovery, we want to hear from you.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Thrive Now Recovery Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthen our organization and the quality of care we provide.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.