Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Department: Residential Services Reports To: Residential Unit Supervisor (shift direction by Lead BHT) Supervises: None FLSA Status: Nonexempt Employment Status: Full-time Shift/Hours: 10:00 PM -- 8:00 AM ( Overnight shift), 8:00 AM- 10:00 PM ( Day Shift) with on-call availability as operational needs require. Compensation: $16.00-$20.00+ per hour (depending on qualifications & experience) Job Summary (Purpose) The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) serves as a stabilizing anchor for children in a therapeutic residential environment. Rather 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 steady under pressure, de-escalate crisis states with emotional intelligence, enforce healthy boundaries 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. Essential Functions- · Supervise and actively engage youth through daily routines, recreational groups, team builders, academic 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 and residential leadership. · Maintain observation levels and required staff - to - youth ratios; alert Lead BHT/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 with 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). Incident Response & Continuous Performance Improvement (CAP) · Actively participate in shift debriefs and critical incident reviews. Provide objective, factual written statements when involved in or witnessing events. · Apply feedback, performance plans, and retraining directives assigned by the Lead BHT or Supervisor. · Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and operational alignment by asking clarifying questions to ensure absolute comprehension. · Maintain 100% compliance, professionalism and ethical boundaries with children, families, and colleagues · Immediately escalate safety vulnerabilities, policy breaches, or boundary concerns to leadership. Cross Department Collaboration · Partner with the Supervisor for daily direction, performance coaching, and punctuality. · Collaborate with Therapists and Case Managers to align floor interventions with individual treatment plans. · Report health observations, medication compliance updates, and medical needs immediately to nursing staff. · Facilities & Food Services for work orders and meal timing as needed. Documentation & Systems Proficient execution of residence logs, behavioral tracking software, Microsoft 365 (Outlook/Teams for secure internal communications), multi-channel facility radios, and electronic work-order systems. Other Duties · Maintain rigorous cleanliness, organization, and daily sanitization standards for the assigned residence bunkhouse and living areas to ensure a safe, healthy environment. · Accurately maintain and submit overnight logs, including but not limited to meal counts, bed checks, census tallies, and supply inventory trackers. · Engage fully in ongoing internal training sessions, safety drills, skill-building workshops, and mentorship rotations. · Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with organizational needs and the professional scope of this role. Qualifications · High school diploma or GED required; post-secondary coursework, degree, or certifications in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related human services field preferred. · Demonstrated professional or life experience working with at-risk, trauma-impacted, or neurodivergent children and adolescents. · Prior residential treatment, psychiatric technician, or behavioral health background required. · Exceptional emotional regulation, situational awareness, active listening, clear verbal/written communication. · Ability to pivot seamlessly in high-stress, dynamic environments without compromising professional composure. Required Training/Certifications (Note: To ensure candidate 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-Based Relational Intervention [TBRI], Sanctuary Model, or equivalent). · CPR/AED Certification: Current, valid hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator certification.(must complete before starting) · Mandated Reporter Certification: Verified training and active certification regarding the legal identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.(Must complete before starting.) · Medical Aid / Medication Administration Certification:Preferred but not required- Valid Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) or equivalent state-approved medical administration certification to support health protocols. · Crisis Management Certification:Preferred but not required- 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-source trauma-informed framework training. · Transportation Clearance : Valid driver's license and clean motor vehicle record meeting organizational insurance standards to support youth transport as assigned. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) · Emotional Regulation: o Proven ability to maintain absolute composure and psychological stability during high-intensity crises. o Successfully models and triggers emotional regulation and calm in youth without escalating the environment. · Implement behavior plans, structure daily routines, and use positive reinforcement or de-escalation. · Uncompromising adherence to observation levels, active supervision, and staff-to-youth ratios, preventing conflict before it initiates through proactive spatial awareness. · Active, constructive participation in post-incident debriefs. · Demonstrable, immediate follow-through on corrective coaching plans when procedural or safety missteps occur. · 100% compliance with shift note accuracy, objective, behavior-based language, and strict submission deadlines that withstand operational and legal scrutiny. · Exceptional attendance, punctuality, shift dedication. · Collaborative partnership with multi-disciplinary t