Behavioral Health Technician Lead & Trainer

Behavioral Health Technician Team Lead

Pawnee Behavioral Health – Pawnee, Oklahoma

Position Type: Full-Time
Available Schedule: Primarily 1st or 2nd Shift with the ability to train and support overnight team members as needed. Weekend rotation required.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: BHT Supervisor

Lead by Example. Inspire Recovery.

Are you ready to take the next step in your behavioral health career?

Pawnee Behavioral Health is seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Technician Team Lead to help develop, coach, and support our Recovery Support team while promoting a culture of compassion, accountability, and excellence in patient care.

This is a working leadership position. You'll continue providing direct patient care while serving as a mentor, trainer, and resource for Behavioral Health Technicians across all shifts. If you're passionate about developing others and creating an exceptional patient experience, we'd love to have you join our leadership team.

About Us

Pawnee Behavioral Health, in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, provides evidence-based treatment for individuals recovering from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our team is committed to delivering compassionate, trauma-informed care while creating a safe, structured, and healing environment for every patient.

Native American/Tribal Preference applies.

Position Overview

The Behavioral Health Technician Team Lead serves as a clinical and operational resource for the Recovery Support team. This role is responsible for supporting onboarding, training, mentoring, and daily operations while reinforcing company standards, patient-centered care, and our organizational culture.

The Team Lead works alongside Behavioral Health Technicians, models best practices, and helps ensure consistency across all shifts. This position partners closely with leadership to support staff development, patient engagement, safety, and quality of care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Serve as a role model by demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and exceptional patient care.
• Mentor and coach Behavioral Health Technicians through daily leadership and positive reinforcement.
• Assist with onboarding and orientation of newly hired Behavioral Health Technicians.
• Provide hands-on training for new team members during their onboarding period.
• Cross-train employees on first, second, and overnight shift workflows to ensure consistency across the program.
• Reinforce organizational culture, customer service expectations, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Assist leadership with identifying training needs and recommending process improvements.
• Provide ongoing coaching while supporting a positive and engaged work environment.
• Communicate concerns, trends, and opportunities for improvement to leadership.

Patient Care

• Provide direct supervision and support to patients throughout the treatment day.
• Build therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Conduct patient observations and complete documentation accurately and timely.
• Monitor patient activities and maintain a safe, structured therapeutic environment.
• Facilitate educational groups, recovery meetings, and recreational activities.
• Conduct room searches, property searches, and safety rounds.
• Administer urine drug screens in accordance with policy.
• Assist with admissions, discharges, and patient orientation.
• Transport patients using company vehicles as needed.
• Obtain basic vital signs and patient weights when appropriate.
• Respond appropriately during behavioral, emotional, or medical emergencies using approved de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.

Operational Support

• Support daily shift operations and assist with staffing needs when requested.
• Promote consistency in documentation, patient engagement, and facility expectations across all shifts.
• Assist with quality improvement initiatives and operational projects.
• Help maintain compliance with Joint Commission standards, state regulations, and company policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of six (6) months of successful experience as a Behavioral Health Technician, preferably within a residential substance use disorder treatment setting.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and support peers.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Ability to work primarily first or second shift while maintaining flexibility to train and support overnight staff.
• Ability to participate in weekend rotation.

Preferred

• One year or more of experience in substance use disorder or behavioral health treatment.
• Previous experience training or mentoring new employees.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented practices, and de-escalation techniques.
• Experience facilitating patient groups.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Frequently walk, stand, bend, and move throughout the facility.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to safely assist patients during emergencies.
• Ability to respond quickly during behavioral or medical crises.
• Work in a residential behavioral healthcare environment with exposure to emotionally challenging situations.

Benefits

Eligible full-time team members enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development
• Career Growth Opportunities

Why Join Pawnee Behavioral Health?

As a Behavioral Health Technician Team Lead, you'll play an important role in shaping the experience of both patients and new team members. Your leadership will help build a culture where staff feel supported, patients feel respected, and recovery remains at the center of everything we do.

This is an opportunity to grow your leadership skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Pawnee Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Native American/Tribal & Veteran Preference applies. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please notify Human Resources.