Behavioral Health Technician

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct, recovery-oriented support to residents receiving mental health services within a licensed residential treatment setting. The BHT supports a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment and assists residents with daily living activities, skill development, and engagement in treatment.

• →Provide direct supervision and support to residents in a behavioral health residential setting.
• →Support activities of daily living and engagement in the residential milieu.
• →Observe, document, and report resident behavior, mood, functioning, and health-related concerns to nursing and supervisory staff.
• →Respond to crisis situations using approved de-escalation and safety techniques.
• →Support therapeutic, recreational, and skill-building activities.
• →Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in all interactions and documentation.
• →Collaborate with clinical, nursing, and supervisory staff to support coordinated care.
• →Complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• →Perform other duties as assigned.

• →N/A

Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships across departments, engaging with residents, team members, management and leadership in a manner that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Contributes to a respectful and inclusive work environment by practicing cultural humility, promoting equity in services and decision-making, and supporting efforts that foster a sense of belonging for all.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or social services, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience preferred.

• Compassionate, professional, and recovery-oriented approach.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and follow structure.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a residential environment.

• Active credential with the Washington State Department of Health as a Home Care Aide (HCA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Current Food Handler’s Permit required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Completion of tuberculosis (TB) screening in accordance with state and organizational requirements, including documentation of evaluation, treatment, or clearance as applicable.
• Completion of all required training in accordance with organizational and Washington State requirements.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and insurable driving record required.
• Successful completion of criminal background check(s) required.

• Vision sufficient for close observation, monitoring resident condition, and recognizing changes in physical or behavioral status, with or without corrective aids.
• Hearing sufficient to communicate effectively with residents and team members and to respond to alarms or calls for assistance, with or without assistive devices.
• Communication ability to exchange information clearly and accurately in person and through documentation systems.
• Tolerance for exposure to bodily fluids, odors, and cleaning chemicals in a healthcare environment.

• Frequent standing and sitting throughout the shift.
• Walking for extended periods, up to 90% of the shift.
• Lifting, transferring, and repositioning residents, typically up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance or mechanical devices.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching to provide direct resident care.
• Assisting residents with mobility, including ambulation and transfers (e.g., bed, chair, toilet) and fall recovery.
• Pushing and pulling equipment such as wheelchairs, beds, carts, and mechanical lifts.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform tasks such as feeding, grooming, dressing, and documenting care.
• Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and arms during care activities.
• Physical stamina to sustain performance in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and variable workload.
• Responding physically in emergency or behavioral situations in accordance with training and organizational policy.

• Monitoring resident conditions and recognizing changes that may require intervention or escalation.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to emergency, safety, or behavioral situations.
• Maintaining attention, situational awareness, and alertness in environments with unpredictable resident behaviors.
• Applying training in de-escalation and approved behavioral intervention techniques.
• Managing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, interruption-driven environment.
• Following established care plans, procedures, and safety protocols while adapting to changing resident needs.

All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that a team member encounters while working at Sound is considered confidential. Sound team members may encounter protected health information in the regular course of their work. This position may be exposed to and required to deal with highly confidential and sensitive material and must adhere to Sound policies, guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.