Behavioral Health Technician in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at Radix Recovery

Job Title: Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

FLSA Classification: non-Exempt

Reports To: BHT Supervisor

Job Family: Radix Recovery, Clinical

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct, non-clinical support to residents in a behavioral health setting. Under the supervision of licensed staff, the BHT assists in implementing treatment plans, monitoring resident behavior, ensuring safety, and supporting daily activities. This role is critical in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals receiving mental health and substance use treatment services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and document resident behavior and interactions in accordance with facility protocols.
• Support residents in their daily routines, including prompting hygiene, meals, medication compliance (non-administration), chores, and recreational activities.
• Intervene in crisis situations using de-escalation techniques and notify clinical staff of any behavioral changes or safety concerns.
• Conduct regular room checks, facility rounds, and environmental safety inspections.
• Assist other BHTs in maintaining an orderly and neat facility, including cleaning and prepping bedrooms for the incoming residents and cleaning common areas.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation in the resident record.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate structured groups or activities.
• Ensure resident confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Communicate effectively with the treatment team regarding resident progress or concerns.
• Participate in shift hand-offs, team meetings, and required trainings.
• Assist with sanitary food preparation and meal service, as needed.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, and resident orientation to the facility, as assigned
• Accompany residents to appointments and off-site programming, safely transporting them using a company vehicle if required.
• Other duties as assigned

Workplace Maintenance: (all employees)

• Participate in maintaining a clean, well-organized, and efficiently supplied work environment, contributing to a positive atmosphere for both clients and staff.
• Observe and report any safety or maintenance issues promptly to ensure a safe and functional workplace.

Professional Conduct: (all employees)

• Interact with clients and colleagues in a respectful and empathetic manner, maintaining professional boundaries and a demeanor that fosters trust and rapport.
• Uphold the privacy and confidentiality of all client information in accordance with federal and state laws, actively reporting any concerns regarding privacy violations or policy breaches to supervisors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DIRECT REPORTS:

None.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Prefer a minimum of 1 year of experience in behavioral health, residential, or related care setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Behavioral Health Concepts:
• Understanding of common mental health and substance use disorders, including signs, symptoms, and behavioral patterns associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
• Trauma-Informed Care Principles:
• Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches that emphasize safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment when interacting with residents.
• Resident Rights and Ethics:
• Basic understanding of confidentiality (HIPAA), resident rights, professional boundaries, and ethical decision-making in a behavioral health setting.
• De-escalation and Safety Protocols:
• Knowledge of crisis prevention strategies, including verbal de-escalation, nonviolent communication, and facility-specific emergency response procedures.
• Documentation Standards:
• Awareness of accurate, timely, and objective documentation practices required in healthcare settings, including behavioral charting and incident reporting.
• Observation and Reporting:
• Skilled in detecting subtle changes in behavior, mood, and physical condition, and reporting these clearly to licensed staff.
• Interpersonal Communication:
• Strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills to interact professionally with residents, families, and coworkers from diverse backgrounds.
• Group Support and Engagement:
• Ability to assist in facilitating structured therapeutic groups or recreational activities, encouraging participation, and modeling respectful group behavior.
• Use of Technology and Equipment:
• Comfortable using electronic health records (EHRs), communication systems, and basic medical equipment (e.g., vitals machines, thermometer).
• Remain Calm Under Pressure:
• Able to maintain composure in high-stress situations, including resident outbursts, medical emergencies, or critical incidents.
• Follow Clinical Protocols:
• Consistently adheres to facility procedures, safety standards, and supervision instructions while exercising sound judgment when working independently.
• Adapt to Changing Environments:
• Flexible and able to adjust quickly to changes in resident needs, staffing levels, or care plans throughout a shift.
• Maintain Professional Boundaries:
• Demonstrates a strong ability to support therapeutic rapport without crossing personal, emotional, or professional lines.
• Promote a Therapeutic Environment:
• Proactively contributes to a calm, respectful, and structured milieu that encourages resident stability, engagement, and recovery.
• Workplace Maintenance (all employees)
• Understanding health and safety regulations to ensure a secure environment for clients and staff.
• Professional Conduct (all employees)
• Compassionate client interaction with empathy and active listening.
• Maintenance of professional boundaries to ensure a safe therapeutic environment.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations governing the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction, including confidentiality, client rights, professional ethics, and anti-discrimination policies.
• Proficient in crisis communication, maintaining professionalism in high-stress situations.

Other Conditions:

• Must be willing to travel during shift as often as needed.
• Authorized to work in the US.