Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) in Palm Springs, California at DESERT WILLOW WELLNESS LLC

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) plays a vital role in supporting clients in a residential treatment setting by providing consistent, structured, and professional day-to-day support. BHTs help maintain a safe, stable, and supportive environment, assist with daily routines and program activities, observe client behavior, and accurately report observations to the clinical and supervisory team.

The BHT role is non-clinical. BHTs do not diagnose, provide therapy, or clinically interpret client behavior. The effectiveness of this role is grounded in consistency, neutrality, professionalism, clear communication, adherence to established protocols, and maintaining a clean, organized, and structured environment that supports client care.

SHIFT OPENINGS: Swing (2:30PM-10:30PM) & NOC (10PM-7:30AM)

Core Responsibilities

Client Support and Daily Structure

• Support clients with daily routines including wake-up schedules, meals, chores, hygiene, and scheduled activities
• Maintain a calm, structured, and respectful environment that supports client safety and engagement
• Provide consistent, present-moment support without clinical interpretation or analysis
• Model appropriate boundaries, professionalism, and respectful communication at all times

Observation, Reporting, and Monitoring

• Observe client behavior, mood, participation, and interactions throughout shifts
• Accurately document objective observations in client records in a timely manner
• Collect and record required data related to client participation and progress, in accordance with facility protocol
• Report concerns, changes, incidents, or safety issues to the appropriate supervisor or clinician
• Avoid subjective language, assumptions, diagnoses, or clinical conclusions in documentation and communication

Withdrawal Monitoring and Health Checks

• Assist with withdrawal monitoring by completing assigned withdrawal assessments and vital signs in accordance with training, scope, and facility protocol
• Promptly report concerning findings or changes to appropriate clinical staff
• Follow all documentation, escalation, and safety procedures related to withdrawal monitoring

Program and Milieu Support

• Facilitate assigned program activities according to the established schedule
• Support adherence to house rules, structure, and program expectations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment as a direct component of client care, supporting physical safety, emotional stability, and program structure
• Assist with grocery shopping, supply runs, and basic stocking tasks as needed to support daily operations

Facility Standards & Environment of Care

• Maintain facility cleanliness, organization, and readiness throughout the shift in alignment with BHT Facility Standards
• Consistently execute all expectations outlined in the BHT Facility Standards, including routine checks, resets, cleaning, and organization of all facility areas
• Ensure all shared spaces, client areas, and staff areas remain clean, stocked, orderly, and client-ready at all times
• Complete routine walkthroughs of the facility, including residential units, bathrooms, kitchen, common areas, and outdoor spaces, addressing issues in real time when possible
• Maintain high-touch surfaces, food safety standards, waste management, and general facility hygiene throughout the shift
• Identify, address, and escalate facility concerns according to established standards and protocols when issues cannot be resolved during the shift
• Maintain responsibility for facility standards continuously throughout the shift, without deferring tasks to other shifts unless appropriately communicated and documented

Intake, Safety, and Searches

• Assist with non-clinical intake and discharge tasks, including required paperwork and orientation items
• Conduct room and belonging searches for new admissions, as well as routine and random room and belonging searches, in accordance with facility policy

Medication and Health-Related Duties

• Supervise self-administration of medications only after completion of required IMS and medication training
• Collect urine samples for drug screening via observed UAs in accordance with program policy and schedule
• Follow all medication handling, documentation, and safety protocols

Transportation and Logistics

• Transport clients to appointments, meetings, and approved off-site activities as needed
• Ensure client safety, professionalism, and confidentiality during transportation and off-site engagements

Communication and Team Collaboration

• Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, clinicians, team members, clients, and families as appropriate to role
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, supervision, and check-ins
• Seek clarification when needed through appropriate supervisory or clinical channels
• Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and facility privacy standards

Additional Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and expectations of the BHT role

Scope and Role Boundaries

• BHTs do not provide therapy, diagnosis, clinical interpretation, or treatment planning
• Clinical formulation and treatment decisions are the responsibility of licensed clinicians
• BHTs are expected to observe, support, and report, not analyze or interpret client behavior
• Questions or concerns are escalated through supervisors according to established protocol

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Strong behavior management and crisis management skills appropriate to training and role
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Strong observational and documentation skills
• Ability to collect, organize, and accurately report data related to client participation and progress
• Compassionate, professional approach with a commitment to supporting individuals in recovery
• Cultural humility and respect for diverse backgrounds
• Reliability, accountability, and ability to work effectively as part of a team

Technical and Computer Skills

• Basic computer proficiency required
• Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail, Calendar)
• Ability to use professional email communication
• Basic internet navigation and document management skills

Work Environment

• Residential treatment setting
• Regular interaction with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders
• Team-oriented, structured, and fast-paced environment

Schedule Expectations

• Rotating shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Flexibility for coverage needs and emergent situations, as required

Compliance and Ethics

• Adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality standards
• Commitment to ethical, professional, and respectful conduct
• Compliance with all facility policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with substance use and mental health challenges
• Background in behavioral health, social work, patient care, or a related field
• Completion of required 16 hours of supervised IMS and medication training prior to independent medication supervision
• Availability for varied shifts as required by program needs

Licensure and Certifications

• Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) or equivalent, preferred
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Valid Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Current TB test in compliance with facility requirements

Reports To: Leadership Team