Behavioral Health Technician

Behavioral Health Technician (Recovery Support Specialist)

Location: Iowa City, IA
Reports To: Recovery Supervisor
Status: Full-Time, Part-Time, or Weekend Shifts
Shifts: Day (2:00pm–10:30pm) | Night (10:00pm–6:30am)

General Description

The Behavioral Health Technician (Recovery Support Specialist) plays a key role in supporting clients throughout their treatment experience by providing structure, safety, engagement, and encouragement in alignment with evidence-based recovery practices. This position assists with daily living support, group facilitation, admissions processes, crisis response, documentation, and client transportation. The Behavioral Health Technician works as part of an interdisciplinary team to promote a therapeutic environment and positive client outcomes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provide a comprehensive orientation to new clients, including program rules, expectations, schedules, and facility tour.

Assist with admissions tasks including belongings searches, completion of required documentation, obtaining client photographs, and reviewing client consents.

Support clients in daily living activities and reinforce treatment goals throughout the day.

Monitor client behavior, maintain observations, and document accurate progress notes.

Lead or support educational, recreational, and life-skills groups as assigned.

Administer urine drug screens, breathalyzers, and collect basic vital signs in accordance with facility protocol.

Respond to behavioral issues using trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques; notify leadership of safety concerns.

Complete incident reports in a timely and accurate manner.

Transport clients to approved appointments, meetings, and community activities while maintaining safety and professionalism.

Support housekeeping tasks, meal service routines, and general facility upkeep to ensure a clean and therapeutic environment.

Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, appropriate boundaries, and consistent communication.

Maintain confidentiality in alignment with HIPAA and all organizational policies.

Participate in team meetings and collaborate with medical, clinical, and leadership staff regarding client needs.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Recovery Supervisor or leadership team.

Qualifications

Required:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Valid driver’s license.

Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire.

Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ability to maintain firm boundaries.

Ability to remain calm in crisis situations and respond to behavioral or medical concerns appropriately.

Preferred:

Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC) or Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS).

One (1) year of experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, or healthcare.

Experience supporting individuals with substance use or co-occurring disorders.

Familiarity with 12-Step programs or recovery-oriented systems of care.

Key Competencies

Trauma-Informed Care: Understands how trauma impacts behavior and responds with sensitivity, structure, and safety.

Communication: Uses clear, professional, and respectful communication with clients and colleagues.

De-escalation Skills: Applies non-violent crisis intervention techniques and maintains calm under pressure.

Professional Boundaries: Maintains ethical boundaries and models healthy behaviors.

Team Collaboration: Works effectively with clinical, medical, and operational teams.

Dependability: Arrives reliably, completes tasks timely, and follows through on responsibilities.

Cultural Competence: Demonstrates awareness, sensitivity, and respect for diverse backgrounds and identities.

Work Conditions

Work occurs in a residential treatment environment with frequent client interaction.

Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs.

Exposure to individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms, emotional distress, or behavioral escalation.

May require transporting clients in company vehicles.

Must be available for assigned shift hours, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Performance Expectations

Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and adherence to all policies.

Support a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.

Engage clients in a compassionate, structured, and recovery-focused manner.

Communicate concerns promptly to supervisors or clinical staff.

Uphold the organization’s mission, values, and commitment to high-quality care.

Reasonable Accommodations (ADA Statement)

The organization provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please notify your supervisor, Human Resources, or the designated ADA Coordinator. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure equal employment opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.