Behavioral Health Technician

Judicial-Branch-of-Arizona-in-Maricopa-Count; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid sick leave

10 paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement pension plans

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

The Juvenile Probation Department of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County seeks a Behavioral Health Technician to support the care of detained youth within a secure facility. You will participate in therapeutic activities, help youth work toward treatment goals, and coordinate with mental health services to ensure consistent, compassionate care.

You will engage with youth, document observations, contribute to safety and security, and assist in crisis response under supervision.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 2 years of experience in care and treatment of mental health disorders or behavioral difficulties.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Must pass background investigation and PREA clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, organize, and participate in therapeutic activities as outlined by the interdisciplinary team.
• Communicate with detained youth in various settings and groups.
• Observe, report, and document detained youths' concerns and progress.
• Implement treatment plan interventions under supervision and report incidents.
• Maintain concise documentation for all client contact and ensure safety of youth and staff.

Skills

Behavior modification

Attention to detail

Empathy

Tact and courtesy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Psychology

Job description

Posting Date08/17/26Application Deadline08/23/26Pay RangeMin - 1st Quartile - Mid - Max$19.00 - $21.56 - $24.13 - $29.25The expected ENTRY pay range for this position based on experience and equity within the Judicial Branch is $21.77 to $24.13.This position is Non-Exempt under the FLSA.What We OfferWe offer generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and 10 paid holidays! We have affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, and our employees are entitled to coverage by one of several State-sponsored retirement pension plans, our employee assistance program, and wellness incentives. Additionally, our employees have the option of life insurance, disability, a group legal plan, and pet insurance. Under the current guidelines for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, the Maricopa County Superior Court is a qualifying employer. Therefore, any full time Judicial Branch employee, who meets other eligibility criteria may be eligible for loan forgiveness under this program. Click here to learn more!Job TypeClassified – Judicial JMRDepartmentAbout the PositionThe Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) ensures a therapeutic team approach in the care and treatment of detained youth and serves as a liaison among Detention Counseling and Mental Health Services (MHS), and the Department of Integrated Health Services (DIHS). The BHT also provides mental health or behavioral assistance as assigned while maintaining unit and facility security.The individual in this role will contribute as an active member of an interdisciplinary team and will confer with staff of the various disciplines regarding the ongoing treatment of detained youth. BHTs engage with detained youth by listening, offering suggestions, and helping youth with perception, self-realization, and self-management in accordance with youth’s objectives and treatment plan goals.About The Juvenile Probation Department:The Juvenile Probation Department of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient juvenile justice services grounded in evidenced-based practices and research. These services improve the safety of our community, hold youth accountable through developmentally appropriate orientation, and ensure the public’s trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. Join our Juvenile Probation Department in its mission to promote public safety through positive change as we connect youth to the community and provide opportunities that are delivered with fairness, dignity and respect.Position QualificationsWe recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications :Education:High School Diploma or GEDExperience:Two (2) years of experience in the care and treatment of those with mental health disorders or behavioral difficultiesORCombined Education and Experience Qualifications:An equivalent combination of post-secondary education or job-related experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.Other Requirements:Must pass a background investigation and PREA clearance.Positions in Detention are subject to Tuberculosis (TB) testing, and all offers of employment are subject to successful completion of new employee processing and a negative TB result prior to your start date.Our Preferred Candidate Has:Experience with adults or adolescents involved in the Criminal Justice System or experience working in a secured facility.Associate degree from an accredited college in Psychology.Social Work or Counseling with an emphasis on clinical work.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of:Behavior modification approaches.Problem solving skills.Skill in:Seeing and paying attention to details.Staying focused and committed to a task.Demonstrating a rational and objective demeanor when faced with stressful or emotional situations, and acting objectively rather than impulsively or emotionally.Balancing and defusing tensions and stresses.Ability to:Follow department policies, procedures and protocols.Demonstrate a positive, open, and objective attitude towards others.Demonstrate flexibility by readily modifying, responding to, and integrating change with minimal personal resistance.Engage others in a constructive two-way conversation, to demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy, empathy and tolerance.Appropriately engage in, establish, and maintain relationships with co-workers and detained youth.Essential Job Tasks(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)Leads, organizes, and participates in therapeutic activities as outlined by the interdisciplinary team.Communicates with detained youth in various situations, small groups, psycho-educational groups, and as directed by supervisor.Observes, reports, and documents detained youths presenting concerns.Implements assigned treatment plan interventions under general supervision and reports all unusual incidents as required.Maintains informative, concise documentation for all client contact.Maintains a safe work environment and maintains an environment that supports youth rights while ensuring the safety of detained youth, other youth, and staff.Responds to mental health crises such as unit requests for assistance and clients in crisis after court/visits, etc.Attends unit meetings and completes all mandatory education and training requirements in a timely manner.Coordinates with Supervisor to complete required clinical oversight per policy.Supports a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of Juvenile Probation, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.Working Conditions:This position works various schedules to cover all shifts any day of the week to meet the needs of the facility and its youth.Must be able to work inside a detention facility.Must be able to lift 20 pounds from floor to waist, lift 20 pounds from waist to shoulder, lift 20 pounds from shoulder to overhead, able to carry 20 pounds in a distance of 50 feet, push/pull 20 pounds with a distance of 50 feet and must get on the floor to perform CPR chest compressions.Must be able to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, see, read, distinguish colors, bend/kneel, reach, twist, climb, crawl, crouch, balance and wear protective gear.Additional InformationJudicial Branch Human Resources reserves the right to move forward candidates based on the information provided directly on the application. The hiring authority will select the successful candidate based on departmental needs.Typically, successful candidates are hired at a salary rate up to the midpoint of the range, based on applicable experience, internal equity, and budgetary allowances.All Judicial Branch offers of employment and continued employment are contingent upon passing a thorough background and/or fingerprint check. Applicants must completely and fully answer any questions regarding felony and misdemeanor convictions including any convictions that have been expunged or set aside. Failure to include criminal history information is grounds for termination of an offer and employment. A conviction may not automatically disqualify an applicant.The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County participates in the State Retirement systems ASRS or PSPRS. As such, mandatory membership for all full-time employees includes payroll deducted contributions consistent with each retirement system's requirements. The current contribution rate for ASRS is 12.27% and the current contribution rate for PSPRS is 5.84% and up for the defined contribution plan and 8.82% for the defined benefit plan. For more information about contributions and benefits of these plans visit https://www.azasrs.gov/ or https://www.psprs.com/corrections-officer/Judicial Branch facilities are located throughout Maricopa County. This position may be reassigned to other locations. Assignments will be made based upon the needs of the department.The Judicial Branch in Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.