Behavioral Health Technician BHT

Argon Agency; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading behavioral health organization is seeking a compassionate Behavioral Health Technician to support patients in detox and residential treatment. This role involves direct patient care, crisis intervention, and ensuring safety in a therapeutic environment. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills and a passion for helping individuals in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.

Benefits

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CPR/First Aid certification needed (or willingness to obtain).
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a detox or residential setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patients to ensure safety and compliance.
• Document patient behavior and incidents.
• Facilitate therapeutic group activities.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Documenting patient behavior

Crisis intervention techniques

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and experienced Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) to join our multidisciplinary team in our detox and residential treatment program. The BHT plays a critical role in providing direct patient care, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for individuals in early recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

This position supports patients through the stabilization process, promotes healthy coping mechanisms, and facilitates the implementation of daily routines and therapeutic activities. Ideal candidates will demonstrate empathy, strong communication skills, and the ability to stay calm in crisis situations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and monitor patients to ensure safety, compliance with rules, and adherence to program schedule.
• Conduct routine checks and documentation in accordance with state, Joint Commission, or CARF requirements.
• Support patients during the detox and early residential phases, ensuring emotional and physical safety.
• Assist with intake, orientation, and discharge procedures, including belongings searches and documentation.
• Accurately document patient behavior, incidents, and progress notes in electronic health records (EHR).
• Monitor and log vital signs, report medical or psychiatric concerns to nursing and clinical staff.
• Facilitate or assist with educational, recreational, and therapeutic group activities as directed.
• Accompany patients to appointments, off-site activities, or during facility transitions as needed.
• Support patients in adhering to prescribed medication protocols and observe self-administration when applicable.
• Maintain cleanliness and order of common areas and living spaces in coordination with housekeeping standards.
• De-escalate situations using verbal intervention techniques and trauma-informed care principles.
• Communicate effectively with team members to relay pertinent information about patient behavior and needs.
  
  

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
  

Preferred:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a detox, residential, or behavioral health setting
• Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment modalities and recovery principles
• Experience using EHR systems (e.g., Kipu, ZenCharts)
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or similar certification a plus
  
  

Competencies:

• Empathy and compassion for individuals in recovery
• Professional boundaries and ethical conduct
• Attention to detail and strong documentation habits
• Team-oriented mindset with flexibility in a fast-paced environment
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations