Behavioral Health Technician - Adolescent Program

Muirwoodteen; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401k + Match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Muirwoodteen in Petaluma, CA, is hiring full-time Behavioral Health Technicians to support adolescents in our residential mental health programs. This entry-level position involves direct supervision of teens, monitoring safety, and assisting in daily routines.

No prior healthcare experience is required as full training will be provided. We seek individuals with a genuine passion for helping youth and a commitment to fostering supportive relationships.

The role offers flexible shift options and competitive hourly compensation between $23.00 to $24.00, with additional differential pay for evening and weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• Ability to remain calm and professional during emotional or challenging client behaviors.
• Genuine passion for helping adolescents during difficult times.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support teens through daily routines.
• Monitor client safety, including one-on-one observation.
• Manage crisis situations using de-escalation techniques.
• Conduct intake procedures, including securing contraband.
• Transport clients in company vehicles to appointments.

Skills

First Aid/CPR certification

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Reliable and accountable

Passion for helping adolescents

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

$23-$24/hr ~ Full-Time, Part-Time & Per Diem ~ Day, Evening, Overnight & Weekend Shifts $1.00 - $5.00/hour differential pay for evenings and weekends

Muir Wood Teen Treatment is hiring full-time Behavioral Health Technicians to work directly with adolescents in our residential mental health treatment and recovery programs in Petaluma, CA.

This is an entry-level role with full training provided. Ideal for people passionate about helping teens and/or interested in a career in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, education, or human services. No prior healthcare experience required.

This Role is Great For:

• People seeking meaningful work as a residential counselor or care coordinator for teens
• Anyone interested in mental health, youth development, or recovery-focused care
• Recent college graduates/students exploring careers in related fields
• Those looking for entry-level roles with hands‑on training and growth opportunities

About Us

Muir Wood helps teens ages 12–17 struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. We provide residential treatment in safe, structured environments where adolescents can heal and build healthy coping skills.

Our team includes therapists, educators, medical staff, and direct care professionals who all work together to support each teen's recovery.

What You'll Actually Do Each Day

In this role (internally referred to as a "Care Coordinator"), you are a key part of our residential treatment team. This is hands‑on work with teens in a 24/7 residential setting.

Daily Responsibilities

• Supervise and support teens through daily routines: meals, chores, hygiene, recreation, and structured activities
• Monitor client safety, including one‑on‑one observation of clients at risk for self‑harm, leaving the program (AMA), or eating disorder behaviors
• Manage crisis situations using de‑escalation techniques, notify clinical staff immediately of safety concerns
• Conduct intake procedures, including searching belongings and securing contraband, medications, and prohibited items
• Administer and supervise medications per physician orders (training provided, state certification required)
• Conduct drug screening (urinalysis collection) as directed by clinical leadership
• Transport clients in company vehicles to appointments, activities, and outings (clean driving record required)
• Document behaviors and incidents thoroughly and accurately per legal and licensing requirements
• Communicate with therapists and counselors about client behaviors, progress and concerns during shift handoff
• Conduct safety checks of the facility, lead fire drills, and follow emergency protocols

Requirements

Must Have

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid California driver's license with clean driving record (you will transport teens regularly)
• First Aid/CPR certified or willing to obtain immediately upon hire
• Ability to remain calm and professional during emotional or challenging client behaviors
• Comfortable setting boundaries with teens while maintaining a supportive, caring relationship
• Reliable and accountable—teens depend on consistent staffing
• Genuine passion for helping adolescents during difficult times

Preferred (But Not Required)

• Bachelor's degree or coursework in psychology, counseling, sociology, or a related field
• Experience working with teens in residential settings, mental health programs, or youth support roles
• Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma, or substance use recovery

Shifts Available

• Full‑Time, Part‑Time, Per Diem available
• AM (7:00 am - 3:00 pm)
• Swing (3:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
• Nocturnal (11:00 pm – 7:00 am)

Compensation

$23.00 – $24.00/hour, based on education and experience.

$1.00 - $5.00/hour differential pay for evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401k + Match
• PTO/Sick Pay
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Marketplace

Why Join Our Team

• Meaningful work: Make a real difference in the lives of teens and families
• Full training provided: No healthcare experience required—we teach you everything
• Career growth: Gain hands‑on experience for careers in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, or education
• Supportive team: Work alongside therapists, nurses, and educators in a collaborative environment
• Beautiful setting: Our Petaluma campus offers a nature‑rich, therapeutic environment

Muir Wood Teen Treatment is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.