Mental Health Technician

Care Coordinator (Mental Health Technician) | Orange County

Alter Behavioral Health is an adult mental health treatment provider with a network of upscale inpatient residential facilities in Orange County and San Diego.

• 12 Hour Shift: Day Shift 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• 3 / 4 Alternating Schedule: Thursday–Saturday every other Wednesday
• Competitive Compensation: $22.00 – $24.00/hour (DOE)
• Location: You will be assigned to our San Diego location in La Mesa
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution | 401(k) with employer match up to 6% after 90 days of employment | Gym membership/wellness reimbursement (up to $50/month) | PTO & CA Paid Sick Leave | Ongoing training and growth opportunities

Make a Difference Every Day

At Alter Behavioral Health, every shift matters. As a Care Coordinator (Mental Health Technician), you play a critical role in ensuring the safety, stability, and recovery journey of the clients entrusted to our care.

This role is more than supervision - it’s about being present, supportive, and engaged in the day-to-day recovery experience of each client.

What You’ll Do

Client Safety & Monitoring

• Conduct routine safety checks (every 15/30/60 minutes) in bedrooms and common areas
• Maintain a safe, structured, and respectful environment
• Escort clients to activities, appointments, or outings as needed

Client Support & Engagement

• Provide supportive presence and guidance aligned with treatment goals
• Facilitate or assist with group activities as appropriate
• Encourage adherence to program structure and expectations
• Assist with housekeeping duties to maintain a safe and clean environment

Crisis Intervention

• Respond calmly and quickly to behavioral or emotional escalations
• Utilize de-escalation techniques and involve clinical staff when appropriate

Documentation & Communication

• Observe and document client behaviors and updates in EMR (Kipu)
• Communicate concerns promptly to clinical and nursing staff
• Collaborate with therapists, case managers, nurses, and supervisors

What We’re Looking For

• Compassionate, professional, and dependable
• Able to remain alert and engaged during a 12-hour shift
• Calm under pressure with strong situational awareness
• Comfortable interacting with clients in a therapeutic residential setting
• Prior behavioral health or residential experience preferred (training provided)

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year experience in behavioral health, SUD, or psychiatric settings
• Residential treatment or healthcare experience
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices
• Crisis prevention/intervention certification (CPI, PMAB, HWC, or equivalent)
• EMR experience (Kipu preferred)

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

• At least one (1) year of experience in behavioral health or a related field such as mental health, substance use treatment, social services, nonprofit work, youth programs, case management, or similar client-facing roles OR Degree or academic focus in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Development, or a related field demonstrating commitment to behavioral health

Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License & at least four (4) years of clean driving history required
• Ability to reliably work the assigned schedule with consistent attendance and punctuality
• CPR & First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start)
• Must pass DOJ Live Scan fingerprint clearance
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and safety rounds
• Ability to regularly walk up and down stairs in multi-level residential homes
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Ability to safely intervene during behavioral escalations using trained techniques
• Ability to operate computers and EMR systems

Compliance

Employment is contingent upon:

• Successful Live Scan clearance
• Completion of required health/drug screenings and TB testing
• Compliance with DHCS, Title 22 regulations, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and applicable California employment laws

DISCLAIMER – This posting provides a general overview of the Care Coordinator role at Alter Behavioral Health. It is not a complete or exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or conditions of employment. Specific job functions and expectations may be modified at the discretion of the company in accordance with business needs. Alter Behavioral Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Labor Code, Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order 5, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and all laws relating to non-discrimination, equal opportunity employment, disability accommodation, and workplace safety.

Salary : $22 - $24