Lead Behavioral Health Technician

Archdiocese of St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Queen of Peace Center in Saint Louis is seeking a Lead Behavioral Health Technician to provide leadership and direct support within a residential program. Under supervision, the Lead BHT promotes client safety, stability, and engagement in treatment while serving as a resource to Behavioral Health Technicians through training, coaching, and daily operational support.

This role helps ensure compliance with program standards, documentation requirements, and safety protocols, while supporting

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; an associate degree is preferred.
• Experience coaching or leading staff in residential or treatment settings is preferred.
• Strong documentation and regulatory compliance awareness is essential.

Responsibilities

• Coach, train, and mentor Behavioral Health Technicians to ensure program standards.
• Assess training needs and provide ongoing guidance and feedback to staff.
• Review client records and ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor intake, orientation, and client monitoring processes for quality delivery.
• Lead shift and coordinate staff assignments to maintain continuity of care.
• Collaborate with Residential and Program Managers to support staffing and operations.

Skills

Leadership

Training & coaching

Regulatory compliance

Documentation audit

Crisis intervention

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Human Services preferred

Job description

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Since its founding in 1985, Queen of Peace Center (QOPC) has been providing family-centered behavioral healthcare for women, children, and families. As a member of the Federation of Catholic Charities, we serve the metropolitan and surrounding St. Louis area through four core programs: prevention, education, treatment, and housing.

Job Summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Queen of Peace Center is looking for a Lead Behavioral Health Technician to provide leadership and direct support within a residential treatment program. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Lead BHT promotes client safety, stability, and engagement in treatment while serving as a resource to Behavioral Health Technicians through training, coaching, and daily operational support. This role helps ensure compliance with program standards, documentation requirements, and safety protocols, while supporting continuity of care and maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.

Overview and Responsibilities

• Coach, train, and mentor Behavioral Health Technicians to promote competency, consistency, and adherence to program standards.
• Assess staff training needs and provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and performance feedback; communicate performance concerns to management as appropriate.
• Review and audit client records, documentation, and program processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness.
• Monitor intake, orientation, and client monitoring processes; provide training and support to ensure quality and consistency of service delivery.
• Monitor staff adherence to safety procedures, documentation standards, detoxification protocols, and other program requirements.
• Serve as a resource to staff by providing guidance on client care procedures, crisis response, and day-to-day program operations.
• Support staff engagement, accountability, and productivity through leadership, role modeling, and reinforcement of organizational expectations.
• Serve as the designated shift lead in the absence of management and assist with operational decision‑making within established guidelines.
• Monitor daily workflow, staffing assignments, and program activities to ensure adequate coverage and continuity of care.
• Collaborate with Residential Managers and Program Managers to support staffing coordination, team communication, and operational effectiveness.
• Communicate staff concerns, operational issues, and recommendations for resolution to management.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations, accreditation standards, agency policies, and program safety requirements.
• Assist management in maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic treatment environment.
• Follow medication‑related policies and collaborate with nursing staff to support safe medication administration practices and documentation.
• Provide coverage for client services as needed, including documentation, group facilitation, admissions support, and other direct service activities.
• Document client behaviors, concerns, and incidents in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required documentation as appropriate.
• Safely operate ministry vehicles to transport clients and complete program‑related errands as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Human Services, Behavioral Health, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, residential services, healthcare, or a related human services field required.
• Prior experience providing training, mentoring, coaching, or lead‑worker support in a residential or treatment setting preferred.
• Drivers License required (MO residents require Class E).
• CPR, First Aid, and Medication Level I certification required or obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral health, substance use, or co‑occurring disorders required.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed.

Skills and Competencies Required

• Demonstrated ability to coach, train, and mentor Behavioral Health Technicians, providing constructive feedback and reinforcing adherence to program standards and procedures.
• Ability to monitor, review, and audit documentation for accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and compliance with organizational, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
• Ability to provide shift leadership, prioritize workflow, coordinate staff assignments, and support continuity of care in a residential treatment environment.
• Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use disorders, recovery principles, trauma‑informed care, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention, with the ability to guide staff in the application of these practices.
• Ability to support staff in managing challenging client situations through effective behavior management, de‑escalation, problem‑solving, and crisis response techniques.
• Demonstrated competency in core Behavioral Health Technician functions, including group facilitation, detoxification monitoring, urine drug screen (UDS) collection, vital sign monitoring, room and belongings searches, and client documentation.
• Knowledge of medication‑related procedures, Medication Administration Record (MAR) documentation, Naloxone use, and protocols supporting safe medication administration practices.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, mandated reporting requirements, ethical standards, program safety protocols, and applicable state licensing and accreditation standards.

Resources for Which Accountable

• Quality, accuracy, and compliance of Behavioral Health Technician documentation, chart audits, and related program records.
• Staff training resources, onboarding materials, competency tracking, and support processes that promote consistent service delivery and regulatory compliance.
• Program operations, safety practices, and assigned ministry resources, including oversight of workflow coordination, regulatory readiness, and adherence to organizational standards.

Queen of Peace Centerdoes not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. Queen of Peace Centeris an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.

Pre-Employment Screening

All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre‑employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, and Covid‑19 and Influenza vaccination. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Our Mission

To bring the healing, help, and hope of Jesus Christ to those in need with a compassionate, caring presence.

Providing family-centered care for women with substance‑use disorders, their families, and at‑risk youth through treatment, prevention and education, and housing.

As a part of the Catholic Charitiesfamily, you’ll have the resources to care for those closest to you. Options include generous parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements, group life insurance, permanent health insurance, and dedicated support to help you find the right child care or elder care.