Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

The Behavioral Health Technician(BHT) serves as a stabalizing anchor for children in a theraputic residential environment. Rathere than merely monitoring behavior, a high caliber BHT actively encourages a safe, predictable, and trauma informed residence. This role requires an individual who can hold staedy under pressure, de-escalate crisis states with emotional intelligence, enforce healthy bounderies without aggression, and seamlessly execute daily routines which include behavioral interventions, and precise documentation. When things get tough, The BHT stays calm and follows assigned performance improvement steps or retraining plans when safety or procedural mistakes happen. Starting pay depends on qualification & experience. - Supervise & Actively engage youth through daily routines, recreational groups, team builders, acacdemic transitions, structured meals and hygiene habits. - Cultivate an environment grounded in relational safety and mutual respect. - Implement behavior plans and teaching/skill building strategies as directed by clinical & residential leadership. - Maintain observation levels and required staff to youth ratios: alert lead BHT or supervisor to risks or coverage gaps. - Complete timely, accurate shift notes and critical incident reports(when involved)per policy. - Use trauma informed de-escalation, call for assistance early, follow radio/communication protocols. - Assist and perform room checks, environment checks and upkeep. - Report maintenance and safety issues promptly. - Support medication routines as directed by Nursing and per policy(e.g. escorting to med pass, keeping youth calm & noise level to a minimum during med pass. Note: (To ensure ecandidate quality and immediate operational safety, the following credentials are strictly required either at hire or must be fully active within the designated onboarding window per regulatory compliance) - Trauma informed care training: Certified or documented competency in evidence-based trauma-informed frameworks. (e.g. trust base relational intervention, sanctuary model, or equivalent.) - CPR/AED certfication: current, valid hands on CPR and AED certification. - Mandated Reporter Certification: Verified training and active certification regarding the legal identification and reporting ofchild abuse and neglect. - Medical Aid/Medication Admininstration Certification: Valid L1MA or equivalent state-approved medical administration certification to support health protocols. - Crisis Management Certification: Prior certification (CPI or equivalent) is welcomed but not required. Onboarding includes facility provided access to free, self paced SAMHSA public health modules(such as creating safe scenes) on dysregulated brain states and verbal de-escalation, alongside open sourced trauma informed framework training. - Transportation clearance: Valid drivers license and clean motor vehicle record meeting organizational insurance standards to support youth transport as assigned. {=html} - High school diploma or GED required; post-secondary coursework, degree, or certifications in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related human services field is preferred. - Demonstrated professional or life experience working with at risk, trauma imapacted, or neurodivergent children and adolescents. - Prior residential treatment, psychiatric technician, or behavioral health background preferred. - Exceptional emotional regulation, situational awareness, active listening, clear verbal /written communicatin abilities. - Ability to pivot seamlessly in high stress, dynamic environments without compromising professional composure.