October 19, 2026
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POSITION SUMMARY
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supports the daily operations of Akeela’s residential substance use disorder treatment programs by providing direct resident supervision, maintaining a safe and structured environment, and supporting residents in their recovery.
This position is responsible for monitoring resident safety and well-being, reinforcing program expectations, supporting daily activities, observing resident self-administration of medications, completing required documentation, and assisting with residential operations.
The BHT works collaboratively with residential and clinical staff to promote a supportive treatment environment while maintaining professional boundaries, resident confidentiality, and accountability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Resident Supervision & Behavioral Support
- Provide direct supervision and monitoring of residents throughout assigned shifts.
- Conduct required resident checks, facility rounds, and safety monitoring in accordance with program procedures.
- Reinforce residential rules, program expectations, and appropriate resident behavior.
- Support residents in developing accountability, healthy routines, and positive interpersonal relationships.
- Observe and promptly report changes in resident behavior, functioning, or safety concerns to appropriate staff and leadership.
- Utilize approved de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques within the scope of assigned training.
- Maintain professional boundaries and treat residents with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
2. Residential Program Activities & Resident Engagement
- Support residents in participating in scheduled program activities, recovery meetings, and daily residential routines.
- Assist with community meetings, client council, and other assigned recovery-oriented activities.
- Encourage resident participation, responsibility, and appropriate engagement with peers and staff.
- Monitor completion of assigned resident responsibilities and communicate concerns to appropriate staff.
- Support a structured, respectful, and recovery-focused residential environment.
- Assist residents with routine questions and concerns, referring clinical matters to appropriate treatment team members.
3. Medication Observation & Documentation
- Observe resident self-administration of medications in accordance with Akeela’s medication observation procedures.
- Accurately document medication observations in the electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR).
- Promptly report medication refusals, missed observations, discrepancies, and other medication-related concerns.
- Assist with assigned medication counts and reconciliation procedures in accordance with organizational policies.
- Communicate medication-related safety concerns to appropriate leadership and clinical personnel.
- Follow established procedures for medication storage, observation, documentation, and reporting.
4. Shift Documentation, Incident Reporting & Communication
- Complete accurate, timely, and shift notes and required residential documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Document relevant resident activities, observations, behaviors, and significant events.
- Complete incident reports in accordance with organizational procedures.
- Promptly communicate resident safety concerns, behavioral incidents, and operational issues to appropriate personnel.
- Participate in shift handoffs to ensure continuity of resident supervision and communication.
- Maintain resident confidentiality and follow applicable privacy and documentation requirements.
5. Environment of Care (EOC) & Emergency Preparedness
- Participate in required fire drills, evacuation drills, and emergency preparedness exercises.
- Complete assigned emergency drill documentation accurately and within required timeframes.
- Conduct assigned environmental and facility safety checks.
- Identify and report hazards, maintenance concerns, unsafe conditions, and blocked emergency exits.
- Follow established emergency response, evacuation, and resident safety procedures.
- Assist with maintaining a clean, safe, and organized residential environment.
6. Residential Operations & Transportation
- Complete assigned daily operational duties necessary to support residential program activities.
- Assist with monitoring resident responsibilities related to shared living areas, kitchen activities, and facility upkeep.
- Assist with urine drug screening procedures and required documentation as assigned.
- Transport residents to approved appointments, community activities, and other authorized destinations in accordance with Akeela’s Client Transportation Policies.
- Promptly report transportation-related incidents, vehicle concerns, or safety issues.
- Maintain accountability for assigned duties and communicate incomplete tasks or operational concerns during shift handoffs.
7. Training, Regulatory Compliance & Professional Development
- Complete required onboarding, orientation, and ongoing organizational training.
- Complete required training in medication observation, eMAR, crisis intervention, emergency preparedness, and other assigned responsibilities.
- Follow applicable Joint Commission standards, Alaska Medicaid regulations, and Akeela’s organizational policies and procedures relevant to residential treatment services.
- Participate in assigned staff meetings, supervision, and professional development activities.
- Seek guidance from the Lead BHT or appropriate leadership when clarification or additional support is needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCY SKILLS
- Effective interpersonal communication and active listening skills.
- Ability to establish professional, respectful relationships with residents and coworkers.
- Ability to follow established procedures, instructions, and supervisory direction.
- Sound judgment and appropriate response to resident safety concerns and behavioral incidents.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging or stressful situations.
- Strong observation skills and attention to detail.
- Basic computer literacy, including email, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office applications, and electronic documentation.
- Ability to learn and use electronic health records (EHR) and eMAR systems.
- Effective time management, organization, and task completion skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a residential treatment team.
KNOWLEDGE
- Basic understanding of substance use disorders, recovery principles, and residential treatment services.
- Familiarity with resident supervision and behavioral support practices.
- Understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and resident rights.
- Basic knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation practices.
- Familiarity with medication observation and documentation procedures.
- Understanding of accurate, objective documentation and incident reporting.
- Awareness of environmental safety and emergency response procedures.
- Understanding of the importance of teamwork, communication, and consistent implementation of residential program expectations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Skills – Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or a related field preferred.
- Certification through the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC), including Counselor Trainee (CT), Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CDC I), Chemical Dependency Counselor II (CDC II), or Peer Support Specialist, preferred but not required.
- Previous experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, residential services, or human services preferred but not required.
- Ability to provide resident supervision and follow established safety procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively with residents, coworkers, supervisors, and clinical personnel.
- Basic computer literacy required, including the ability to use email, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office applications, and complete electronic documentation.
- Previous experience using electronic health records (EHR) preferred but not required.
- Valid, current driver’s license required, with the ability to meet Akeela’s driving eligibility requirements and comply with Akeela’s Client Transportation Policies.
- Ability to complete required organizational training.
- Ability to work assigned shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts as needed.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and appropriate workplace conduct.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English.