Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Division: Clinical Services
Department: Clinical Services
Classification: Non-Exempt / Hourly
Compensation: $16.90 – $19.00 per hour
Reports To: Clinical Director (or designee)

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct, non-clinical support to clients receiving substance use disorder (SUD) detoxification and residential treatment services at Butte Horizon Detox. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive treatment environment by monitoring client safety, assisting with daily programming, and reinforcing recovery-oriented expectations. This role may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts based on program needs. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Monitoring & Support

• Provide direct supervision and monitoring of clients to ensure safety and compliance with program rules.
• Conduct routine client observations and safety checks as required by facility policy.
• Assist clients with daily living activities and orientation to program structure.
• Provide supportive, non-clinical engagement and encouragement consistent with a recovery-oriented environment.

Program Support & Group Assistance

• Support scheduled program activities and structured group sessions.
• Assist clinical staff during group programming as directed.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate groups when appropriately trained and authorized.
• Reinforce treatment goals and positive behavioral expectations.

Documentation & Reporting

• Document client observations, behaviors, and incidents in the electronic health record (EHR) in a timely and accurate manner.
• Report safety concerns, behavioral issues, or changes in client condition to clinical or medical staff promptly.
• Complete incident reports as required by policy.

Safety & Facility Support

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment.
• Perform light cleaning or sanitation tasks as needed.
• Ensure adherence to safety, emergency, and evacuation procedures.
• Support medication observation procedures under nursing supervision (if applicable and trained).

Transportation Duties (if assigned)

• Transport clients to approved appointments or services in accordance with facility policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure safety during transportation.

Flexibility & Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.
• Adapt to changing needs within a residential treatment startup environment.
• Work collaboratively with clinical, medical, and administrative staff.

Work Environment

• Residential treatment setting with potential exposure to individuals in early recovery.
• May require standing, walking, and responding quickly to safety needs.
• May include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts as required by program operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, social services, or related field preferred.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license (if transportation duties required).

Licensure / Certification Requirements

• CPR and First Aid certification required and must be maintained in good standing.
• Tuberculosis (TB) clearance required in accordance with public health guidelines.
• DOJ Live Scan background clearance required prior to unsupervised client contact.
• RADT registration (if applicable based on role duties) must be maintained in good standing.

Compliance Requirements

• Completion of required onboarding and annual compliance training.
• Adherence to DHCS, Title 9, and facility policies and procedures.
• Compliance with confidentiality requirements under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirement

Employment in this position is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug screening conducted in accordance with applicable California and federal laws.

Employees in safety-sensitive positions may be subject to drug and alcohol testing under reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or as otherwise permitted by law.

Refusal to submit to required testing or confirmed violation of facility policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, consistent with applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be adjusted as operational needs evolve.