MA/ BHT

Temporary Behavioral Health Technician / Medical Assistant

Location: Soquel / Santa Cruz, California

Job Type: Temporary, W-2

Pay: $24.00–$25.00 per hour

Setting: Residential Behavioral Health / Substance Use Treatment

Schedule:

• Wednesday–Friday: 11:00 PM–7:00 AM
• Saturday–Sunday: 4:30 PM–11:00 PM



Overview

Avento Health is recruiting a Temporary Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) or Medical Assistant (MA) to support a residential behavioral health and substance use treatment program in the Soquel/Santa Cruz area.

This is a hands-on role supporting adults receiving residential treatment. The ideal candidate has experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, residential care, or a medical setting and is comfortable working directly with clients in a structured treatment environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and supervision to clients in a residential treatment setting.
• Monitor client safety, behavior, and overall well-being.
• Complete routine client observations and safety checks.
• Assist clients with daily routines and transitions.
• Take and document vital signs as appropriate.
• Assist with medication-related processes within permitted scope and facility procedures.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Communicate changes in client condition or behavior to clinical or nursing staff.
• Support crisis prevention and de-escalation when necessary.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, and other client-care activities.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, and supportive residential environment.
• Follow HIPAA, confidentiality, infection-control, and facility safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Behavioral Health Technician, Mental Health Technician, Medical Assistant, Substance Use Disorder Technician, Residential Counselor, or similar direct-care professional preferred.
• Behavioral health, substance use treatment, detox, or residential treatment experience strongly preferred.
• Medical Assistant training or certification is welcome but not required for candidates with relevant behavioral health experience.
• Comfortable working directly with adults receiving behavioral health or substance use treatment.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• CPR/BLS certification preferred.
• Must be dependable and available for the full Wednesday-through-Sunday schedule.

Compensation

$24.00–$25.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Assignment

This is a temporary staffing assignment at an established residential treatment program in the Soquel/Santa Cruz area. Candidates should be comfortable working both overnight and evening shifts and stepping into an active residential treatment environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Avento Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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