BHT

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct patient care and support within Gibson Center for Behavioral Change’s residential and withdrawal management programs. The BHT works as an integral member of the multidisciplinary treatment team to promote patient safety, support recovery, monitor patient behaviors and withdrawal symptoms, assist with medication-related duties within the employee’s certification and scope of practice, and maintain a structured, therapeutic, and compassionate treatment environment.

The BHT is responsible for following all agency policies and procedures and maintaining compliance with applicable Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), CARF, confidentiality, safety, and ethical standards.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

1. Clinical and Patient Care

• Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of withdrawal and changes in physical or behavioral condition in accordance with agency and DMH standards.
• Obtain, accurately record, and report vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respirations, and blood alcohol content (BAC), when applicable.
• Report significant changes in patient condition, behavior, or withdrawal symptoms promptly to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Assist with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges as directed.
• Assist with emergency procedures and coordinate or assist with emergency medical transportation when necessary.
• Provide direct patient observation and support to promote safety and compliance with treatment plans and program expectations.
• Assist with medication-related duties only within the employee’s current certification, training, and scope of practice.
• Secure, distribute, administer, and document medications when authorized and properly trained to do so.
• Verify medication orders and immediately report medication discrepancies, refusals, errors, or adverse reactions to the appropriate nursing or clinical supervisor.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical and patient documentation in accordance with agency, DMH, CARF, and confidentiality requirements.
• Complete required documentation in CIMOR, CareLogic, and other agency-approved systems.

2. Therapeutic Engagement and Crisis Support

• Facilitate assigned educational, therapeutic, recovery-focused, and recreational groups in accordance with program requirements and training.
• Encourage patients to develop and practice healthy coping skills and recovery-oriented behaviors.
• Reinforce treatment program expectations, behavioral guidelines, and facility rules in a respectful and therapeutic manner.
• Welcome and orient patients and families to the facility, program expectations, rules, and available services.
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with all patients.
• Recognize escalating behaviors and utilize appropriate therapeutic de-escalation techniques.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral and medical emergencies while maintaining patient and staff safety.
• Promptly report significant incidents, safety concerns, behavioral concerns, or emergencies to the appropriate supervisor or on-call leadership.
• Complete objective and timely incident, behavior, and infraction documentation as required.

3. Residential and Facility Operations

• Maintain continuous awareness of the residential environment and patient activities to promote safety and security.
• Supervise and assist patients with assigned chores and activities.
• Prepare patient rooms and common areas for new admissions.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout the facility.
• Assist with basic meal preparation or dietary needs when the designated cook is unavailable, as appropriate.
• Assist patients with daily living needs within the employee’s training and scope of responsibilities.
• Monitor facility supplies and report shortages, maintenance concerns, or safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.
• Follow all infection control, workplace safety, emergency preparedness, and facility security procedures.

4. Administrative and Communication Responsibilities

• Screen and appropriately direct incoming telephone calls and provide general program information within the scope of the position.
• Assist with residential and outpatient waitlist communication and maintain assigned contact sheets.
• Complete required patient, facility, administrative, and program documentation accurately and timely.
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient and agency information in accordance with HIPAA, agency policy, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Communicate effectively with nurses, counselors, peer specialists, supervisors, patients, families, and other members of the treatment team.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, in-services, and assigned committee meetings.
• Complete all required agency, DMH, CARF, compliance, and position-specific training.
• Complete mandatory trainings, including Ethics, Cybersecurity, confidentiality, safety, and other trainings assigned by the agency.
• Complete all administrative documentation and training requirements within established deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The BHT position requires the employee to function effectively in a residential and/or clinical treatment environment for extended periods.

• Mobility and Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and move throughout the facility frequently during an 8-to-12-hour shift.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to safely lift, push, pull, or carry approximately 25–50 pounds, including supplies, linens, luggage, or other items associated with patient care and facility operations.
• Physical Response: Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies, crisis situations, and safety concerns.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to read documentation and medical information, observe patient behaviors and physical conditions, and identify environmental safety concerns.
• Auditory Acuity: Ability to hear and respond to patient needs, alarms, emergency situations, and verbal communication throughout the facility.
• Work Environment: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment involving individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, behavioral concerns, and/or medical needs.
• Schedule: Must be able to work assigned shifts, including weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, and/or extended shifts when required by the program.
• Must maintain the physical ability necessary to safely perform the essential functions of the position.

Supervision

Primary Supervisor:Clinical Coordinator (IHS/Peer Specialist) or Program Manager

Secondary Supervisor:Director of Nursing or Director of Residential

Positions Supervised

None.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must possess and maintain any certification required for assigned duties. Applicable certifications may include:
• • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Certified Medication Technician/Medication Aide (CMA)
  • Level I Medication Aide (L1MA)
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, residential services, healthcare, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions preferred.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, chemical withdrawal, behavioral health, and co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification as required.
• Must complete and maintain all required state, agency, DMH, CARF, and position-specific certifications and training.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license when driving is an assigned job responsibility.
• Proof of current automobile insurance must be submitted to Human Resources by the 15th of each month when required for the employee’s position.
• Must successfully complete required background checks and screenings in accordance with agency policy and applicable regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and multitask effectively.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain a structured, therapeutic, safe, and professional treatment environment.