Per Diem / On-Call Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

DESERT WILLOW WELLNESS LLC; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Desert Willow Wellness LLC in Palm Springs, CA is seeking a reliable Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) for per diem / on-call coverage in our detox and residential treatment program. The role supports clients, maintains structure, and ensures safety without providing clinical therapy.

Flexibility is essential, as shifts vary and may be offered on short notice. A year of relevant experience, CPR/First Aid, and a valid CA driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Background in behavioral health, substance use treatment, social work, patient care, or a related field
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Reliable and able to report consistently for accepted shifts
• Comfortable using computers and electronic documentation systems
• Valid Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Current TB test in accordance with facility requirements
• RADT or equivalent preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support and structure for clients in detox and residential treatment.
• Support scheduled activities, meals, routines, and program expectations.
• Observe client behavior, participation, and interactions and document observations.
• Complete assigned withdrawal monitoring and vital signs.
• Report changes, concerns, incidents, and safety issues to the team.
• Facilitate assigned program activities.
• Supervise medication self-administration after training.
• Assist with urine drug screens, admissions, discharges, and room/belongings searches.
• Transport clients to appointments, meetings, and activities as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, stocked, client-ready environment.
• Follow confidentiality, HIPAA, safety, documentation, and facility procedures.

Skills

Substance use treatment

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Computer literacy

Driver's license

CPR and First Aid

TB test compliant

RADT preferred

Tools

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Job Type: Per Diem / On-Call

Location: In person, Palm Springs, CA

Desert Willow Wellness is seeking a reliable, compassionate, and flexible Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) – Per Diem / On-Call to provide additional coverage within our detox and residential substance use treatment program.

This position is designed for someone who is comfortable working as needed rather than on a regular weekly schedule. Per diem BHTs help cover staff call-outs, open shifts, and other staffing needs. Shifts may be offered in advance or on short notice.

There are no guaranteed weekly hours or regularly scheduled shifts with this position. We are looking for someone who has flexibility and is interested in picking up shifts as coverage needs arise.

Available Shifts

Desert Willow Wellness operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Coverage opportunities may include:

• AM: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Swing: 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• NOC: 10:00 PM – 7:30 AM
• Weekends and holidays as needed

Flexibility across multiple shift types is strongly preferred. Coverage requests may occasionally be made on the same day or for the following day.

What You'll Do

As a BHT, you will help maintain a safe, structured, supportive environment for clients receiving detox and residential treatment. Responsibilities include:

• Providing day-to-day support and structure for clients
• Supporting scheduled activities, meals, routines, and program expectations
• Observing client behavior, participation, and interactions and documenting objective observations
• Completing assigned withdrawal monitoring and vital signs in accordance with training and facility protocols
• Reporting changes, concerns, incidents, and safety issues to the appropriate team member
• Facilitating assigned program activities
• Supervising medication self-administration after completion of required training
• Assisting with observed urine drug screens, admissions, discharges, and room/belonging searches
• Transporting clients to approved appointments, meetings, and activities as needed
• Helping maintain a clean, organized, stocked, and client-ready environment
• Following all confidentiality, HIPAA, safety, documentation, and facility procedures

The BHT position is a non-clinical role. BHTs support, observe, document, and report but do not provide therapy, diagnose, or make clinical treatment decisions.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is dependable, professional, comfortable working in a residential treatment environment, and able to maintain appropriate boundaries while providing compassionate support to individuals in recovery.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with substance use and/or mental health challenges
• Background in behavioral health, substance use treatment, social work, patient care, or a related field
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Reliable and able to report consistently for accepted shifts
• Comfortable using computers and electronic documentation systems
• Valid Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Current TB test in accordance with facility requirements
• RADT or equivalent preferred

Per Diem / On-Call Expectations

This is not a full-time or regularly scheduled part-time position. Hours will vary depending on facility staffing needs and are not guaranteed.

Candidates should be comfortable receiving requests to pick up available shifts, likely on short notice. You may accept offered shifts based on your availability; however, we are specifically looking for someone who maintains reasonable ongoing availability and can reliably report for shifts once accepted.

About Desert Willow Wellness

Desert Willow Wellness is a small residential treatment program in Palm Springs providing detoxification and residential treatment for adults with substance use disorders. Our approach emphasizes stabilization, individualized support, structure, dignity, and preparing clients for the appropriate next stage of recovery.

We value team members who are compassionate and supportive while also being dependable, professional, and comfortable maintaining clear boundaries and program expectations.