Behavioral Health Coach

Behavioral Health Coach (Formerly BHT)

Title: Behavioral Health Coach (BHC)

Department: Operations/Service Delivery

Location: Assigned Residential Treatment Center or Clinic (may vary based on coverage needs)

Reports To: House Supervisor for RTC/PHP or Operations Manager for Clinic

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Coach (BHC) serves as the primary engagement bridge between the daily residential milieu and the formal clinical treatment process for adolescents. This role focuses on client engagement, emotional regulation, and individualized coaching, ensuring every moment in the facility reinforces each client's treatment goals. The BHC works in close coordination with the clinical team to apply trauma-informed, evidence-aligned engagement strategies that support therapeutic progress outside the therapy room. Leading the emotional climate and client engagement is primary, leading operational flow and facility readiness is secondary. Both important for operational and service delivery excellence.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Client Engagement & Coaching

• Build trusting, therapeutic relationships with adolescents through empathy, consistency, and active listening.

• Translate clinical treatment plans into daily, personalized interactions that reinforce therapeutic goals.

• Partner with Therapists and Clinical Directors to apply individualized coaching strategies and coping-skill reinforcement.

• Apply trauma-informed and evidence-aligned approaches to support self-regulation and social-emotional learning.

• Co-facilitate or assist in groups and experiential activities that promote insight, accountability, and healthy expression.

• Track client progress in collaboration with clinical staff and communicate observed behavioral trends or changes.

• Offer clients structured guidance about recovery using practical, evidence-based recovery models.

2. Emotional Regulation & Crisis Intervention

• Anticipate triggers and intervene early using de-escalation techniques that preserve dignity and client safety.

• Use therapeutic communication, motivational interviewing, and behavior-specific support to promote stability.

• Collaborate with nursing and clinical staff during crisis situations to ensure appropriate intervention and follow-up.

• Contact the House Supervisor immediately regarding any significant client event or behavioral change.

• Report unusual client behavior or safety concerns to the House Supervisor without delay.

• Model composure and professionalism in all high-stress or emotionally charged situations.

3. Therapeutic Milieu & Program Execution

• Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that reflects clinical intent in every activity.

• Lead or support daily group sessions, recreational therapy blocks, and community meetings.

• Coordinate at shift changes to ensure seamless daily operational flow and supervision coverage.

• Participate actively in scheduled therapy, education, and recreational programming, reinforcing clinical goals in real time.

• Assist with required client interactions including health and safety screens, hygiene bin distribution, medication administration, vitals, and related duties.

• Conduct random urinalysis drug testing in accordance with Horizon Recovery policy and procedures.

• Maintain cleanliness of the facility in accordance with infection prevention and control procedures.

• Adhere to established standards of hygiene and universal infection control procedures in handling all samples and supplies.

• Support meal preparation for clients, including preparing and cooking meals in accordance with facility standards and dietary requirements.

4. Documentation & Communication

• Document all behavioral observations, coaching interventions, and outcomes in the EMR within required time frames.

• Maintain accurate, detailed records of client activities, behavior, and information pertinent to each client's presence in treatment.

• Use professional, objective language that supports continuity across clinical and operational teams.

• Share observations directly with therapists and treatment teams to support individualized care planning.

• Participate in shift huddles and interdisciplinary meetings to maintain a unified understanding of client needs and progress.

• Provide specific documentation and reports to clinical staff when required.

• Maintain strict confidentiality under HIPAA and Horizon Recovery's internal standards.

5. Collaboration & Team Integration

• Collaborate daily with Therapists, House Supervisors, Nurses, and Education Coordinators to align treatment goals with daily practice.

• The employee must be prepared to work at any facility location as required by operational need.

• Other duties as assigned.

6. Culture, Learning & Professional Growth

• Demonstrate Horizon's values: Transparency, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, and Dedication in all interactions.

• Engage in ongoing training, supervision, and mentorship to strengthen coaching and trauma-informed practice skills.

• Participate in reflective practice and peer feedback to improve client outcomes and staff collaboration.

• Contribute positively to house culture by reinforcing accountability, compassion, and professionalism.

• Comply with all Horizon Recovery policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; some college or behavioral health coursework preferred.

• Minimum 6 months of prior experience in behavioral health, youth services, education, or counseling preferred.

• Minimum 6 months of experience working with adolescents, or willingness to complete Horizon's provided adolescent training courses.

• Current Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card (or eligibility to obtain).

• 21 years of age or older.

• Ability to pass a criminal background check as required.

• CPR / First Aid certification or obtained within 30 days of hire.

• Valid Arizona driver’s license with a clean MVR and proof of insurability (if applicable)

• Must complete all required onboarding and role-specific training programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

What This Role Requires

• Skilled in trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to client engagement.

• Strong interpersonal and emotional-intelligence skills; ability to build trust with guarded adolescents.

• Confident and competent in de-escalation techniques and crisis prevention.

• Ability to connect daily engagement activities with broader clinical treatment goals.

• Precise, timely EMR documentation and professional communication.

• Collaborative mindset; reliable, consistent, and present across all shift functions.

• Understanding of and adherence to Behavioral Health Best Practices and Horizon Recovery's Code of Ethics.

• Knowledge of relevant recovery-related literature and principles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Frequent walking, standing, stair climbing, and light lifting (up to 30 lbs).

• Participation in active or recreational therapeutic activities.

• Must maintain alertness and active engagement for the full duration of each shift.

• Must be able to speak clearly, hear, use a telephone, and operate standard office equipment.

• Ability to operate multi-passenger vehicles as needed if selected as a company driver.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits Including:

• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 10-hour shift or 12-hour shift
• Days, Evenings, or Night shifts
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend shifts available (Friday-Sunday)

Work Location:

Peoria, Buckeye, Glendale, & Rover (multi-site)

At-Will Employment Statement

Horizon Recovery is an at-will employer. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate manager or other management as required. Horizon Recovery reserves the right to revise or change job duties as organizational needs arise. This document does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

EOE/M/F/V/D