Behavioral Health Technician Internship

Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Drug-free workplace commitment

Equal Opportunity Employment

Job summary

Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. is hiring for a Behavioral Health Technician Internship aimed at compassionate individuals wanting to make an impact. This internship involves working closely with clients in secured facilities, engaging them in discussions about their mental health and adhering to safety protocols.

The ideal candidate will be currently enrolled in a relevant degree program and committed to a drug-free workplace. The position requires maintaining documentation and facilitating supportive groups.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program in social work, counseling, psychology or other human services field.
• Eligibility determined by Level 2 background screening.
• Adherence to drug-free workplace policies.

Responsibilities

• Work under supervision and engage clients regarding mental health and substance misuse.
• Document daily case notes and maintain client safety.
• Facilitate psycho-educational and recreational groups.

Skills

General knowledge of program policies

Verbal de-escalation techniques

Administrative support

Education

Currently enrolled in a social work or related field

Job description

Now Hiring! Behavioral Health Technician Internship

ACTS is growing! We are seeking compassionate, driven individuals to join us in making a lasting impact through meaningful work during the Fall 2026 Internship Program.

Location: The internship program will perform duties at client service-oriented programs including secured facilities, residential programs and/or scattered site housing around the greater Tampa Bay area.

What You’ll be Doing?

• Working under supervision of the assigned field instructor or designee.
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of program professional plan, program policies and procedures. Perform and document pre‑admission searches, inform designated personnel of bruises, etc. and search clients’ property for contraband. Make frequent rounds of facility to ensure adequate safeguards and client safety are maintained. Facilitate/comply with emergency preparedness and monthly mock scenario emergency drills.
• Communicate regularly with clients, co‑workers/shift supervisors and others as appropriate, and engage clients to talk about their mental illness and substance misuse. Observe clients for changes in behavior, monitor activities of clients, motivate clients to participate in activities, and guide and advise clients in their personal adjustment utilizing verbal de‑escalation techniques. Interpret the client handbook for clients as needed; apply applicable rules and regulations to clients.
• Assist clients in preparing for court appearances or other outside activities, and implement supportive, psycho‑educational and recreational groups. Advise and guide clients on personal hygiene habits. Monitor and track compliance with self‑administered medication process if instructed. Oversee collection of urine specimen for drug screens and may complete and record vital signs as assigned. Assist clients in gathering/obtaining personal property when discharged.
• Document individual contacts, daily case notes, incident and injury reports, and grievances. Answer phones and provide other administrative support as needed. Build new case files and break down discharged client case files.

What is Required?

Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program in social work, counseling, psychology or other human services field and working under a formal learning contract or similar agreement with a university.

Eligibility status, as determined by Level 2 background screening in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 435 and/or Local Law.

The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, or 'Clearinghouse', helps ensure that caregivers, health workers, and educators meet Level 2 background screening standards before they can work with children, seniors, or other vulnerable groups. For more information, please visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

ACTS is a drug‑free workplace, and all applicants are subject to pre‑employment drug screening and adherence to all related policies throughout employment.

ACTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

ACTS, Inc. participates in the federal government's E‑Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For all new hires, the E‑Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E‑Verify is not used as a tool to pre‑screen candidates. For up‑to‑date information on E‑Verify, go to www.uscis.gov and click on 'E‑Verify' located near the bottom of the page.