Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

DESERT WILLOW WELLNESS LLC; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

DESERT WILLOW WELLNESS LLC is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician to support residents in a residential setting. You will assist with daily routines, monitor progress, and document observations according to facility protocols.

You will work rotating shifts in a fast-paced team, ensuring safety, confidentiality, and adherence to HIPAA, with opportunities to collaborate with clinicians and leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with substance use and mental health challenges.
• Experience in behavioral health settings is preferred.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with daily routines, meals, hygiene, and activities.
• Monitor behavior, mood, participation, and report findings to supervisors.
• Assist with intake, safety checks, and non-clinical documentation.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and adherence to policy and safety standards.
• Transport clients for approved activities and maintain client confidentiality.

Skills

Behavior management

Crisis intervention

Communication

Documentation

HIPAA compliance

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

SHIFT OPENINGS

AM 7:00AM - 3:00PM

SWING 2:30PM - 10:30PM

NIGHT 10:00PM - 7:30AM

Core Responsibilities

Client Support and Daily Structure

• Support clients with daily routines including wake-up schedules, meals, chores, hygiene, and scheduled activities
• Maintain a calm, structured, and respectful environment that supports client safety and engagement
• Provide consistent, present-moment support without clinical interpretation or analysis
• Model appropriate boundaries, professionalism, and respectful communication at all times

Observation, Reporting, and Monitoring

• Observe client behavior, mood, participation, and interactions throughout shifts
• Accurately document objective observations in client records in a timely manner
• Collect and record required data related to client participation and progress, in accordance with facility protocol
• Report concerns, changes, incidents, or safety issues to the appropriate supervisor or clinician
• Avoid subjective language, assumptions, diagnoses, or clinical conclusions in documentation and communication

Withdrawal Monitoring and Health Checks

• Assist with withdrawal monitoring by completing assigned withdrawal assessments and vital signs in accordance with training, scope, and facility protocol
• Promptly report concerning findings or changes to appropriate clinical staff
• Follow all documentation, escalation, and safety procedures related to withdrawal monitoring

Program and Milieu Support

• Facilitate assigned program activities according to the established schedule
• Support adherence to house rules, structure, and program expectations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment as a direct component of client care, supporting physical safety, emotional stability, and program structure
• Assist with grocery shopping, supply runs, and basic stocking tasks as needed to support daily operations

Facility Standards & Environment of Care

• Maintain facility cleanliness, organization, and readiness throughout the shift in alignment with BHT Facility Standards
• Consistently execute all expectations outlined in the BHT Facility Standards, including routine checks, resets, cleaning, and organization of all facility areas
• Ensure all shared spaces, client areas, and staff areas remain clean, stocked, orderly, and client-ready at all times
• Complete routine walkthroughs of the facility, including residential units, bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and outdoor spaces, addressing issues in real time when possible
• Maintain high-touch surfaces, food safety standards, waste management, and general facility hygiene throughout the shift
• Identify, address, and elevate facility concerns according to established standards and protocols when issues cannot be resolved during the shift
• Maintain responsibility for facility standards continuously throughout the shift, without deferring tasks to other shifts unless appropriately communicated and documented

Intake, Safety, and Searches

• Assist with non-clinical intake and discharge tasks, including required paperwork and orientation items
• Conduct room and belonging searches for new admissions, as well as routine and random room and belonging searches, in accordance with facility policy

Medication and Health-Related Duties

• Supervise self-administration of medications only after completion of required IMS and medication training
• Collect urine samples for drug screening via observed UAs in accordance with program policy and schedule
• Follow all medication handling, documentation, and safety protocols

Transportation and Logistics

• Transport clients to appointments, meetings, and approved off-site activities as needed
• Ensure client safety, professionalism, and confidentiality during transportation and off-site engagements

Communication and Team Collaboration

• Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, clinicians, team members, clients, and families as appropriate to role
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, supervision, and check-ins
• Seek clarification when needed through appropriate supervisory or clinical channels
• Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and facility privacy standards

Additional Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and expectations of the BHT role

Scope and Role Boundaries

• BHTs do not provide therapy, diagnosis, clinical interpretation, or treatment planning
• Clinical formulation and treatment decisions are the responsibility of licensed clinicians
• BHTs are expected to observe, support, and report, not analyze or interpret client behavior
• Questions or concerns are escalated through supervisors according to established protocol

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Strong behavior management and crisis management skills appropriate to training and role
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Strong observational and documentation skills
• Ability to collect, organize, and accurately report data related to client participation and progress
• Compassionate, professional approach with a commitment to supporting individuals in recovery
• Cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds
• Reliability, accountability, and ability to work effectively as part of a team

Technical and Computer Skills

• Basic computer proficiency required
• Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar)
• Ability to use professional email communication
• Basic internet navigation and document management skills

Work Environment

• Residential treatment setting
• Regular interaction with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders
• Team-oriented, structured, and fast-paced environment

Schedule Expectations

• Rotating shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Flexibility for coverage needs and emergent situations, as required

Compliance and Ethics

• Adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality standards
• Commitment to ethical, professional, and respectful conduct
• Compliance with all facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with substance use and mental health challenges
• Background in behavioral health, social work, patient care, or a related field
• Completion of required 16 hours of supervised IMS and medication training prior to independent medication supervision
• Availability for varied shifts as required by program needs

Licensure and Certifications

• Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) or equivalent, preferred
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Current TB test in compliance with facility requirements

Reports To: Leadership Team