Job Description
What You'll Do Position Summary: The Mental Health Technician/Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) plays a vital, hands-on role in shaping the daily experience of adolescent and young adult patients in Newport Healthcare's behavioral health programs. As a frontline team member, the BHS creates a safe, structured, and compassionate environment where patients feel supported, seen, and empowered throughout their healing journey. Newport Healthcare provides evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring challenges, with a focus on trauma, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics.
BHS roles exist across
multiple levels of care including
24/7 residential treatment and inpatient hospital settings , as well as
outpatient/IOP/PHP programs. While core responsibilities are consistent, workflows and acuity vary by setting; training and coaching are provided to ensure success in each environment. Schedules may include day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts in a fast-paced milieu, and a BHS may need to respond to urgent or unique conditions during a scheduled shift.
This role isn't just important; it's foundational. BHS team members are the heart of our day-to-day care model, offering meaningful connection and stability that make a lasting difference in patients' lives. Grounded in our core values of
Patient First, Love, Excellence Through Integrity, Compassion, and Connection , the BHS embodies our mission of helping young people move from struggling to thriving.
Key Performance Responsibilities: - Create a safe and supportive space by offering consistent, compassionate care and supervision that ensures patients' emotional and physical well-being.
- Guide and encourage patients as they move through their day whether attending therapy, group activities, meals, or moments of transition.
- Lead or support experiential activities (e.g., mindfulness, recreation, group engagement) that promote healing and connection.
- Model calm, respectful behavior and healthy coping strategies in a way that builds trust and emotional safety.
- Document observations and interactions clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner to support treatment planning.
- Stay grounded and responsive during high-stress or emotionally charged situations, helping restore calm through established strategies.
- Collaborate with team members and communicate professionally to support a connected, unified care environment.
- Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality, maintaining patient dignity and respect in all interactions.
- Participate in ongoing training and development provided to grow clinical understanding and ability to provide trauma-informed, values-based care.
- Safely transport patients to and from program sites and external appointments (e.g., doctors, labs) following all safety standards and protocols.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What Makes You a Great Fit Education, Experience, License Requirements: - High School Diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor's Degree in psychology, counseling, or sociology preferred.
- Prior work experience in other behavioral treatment settings, a plus.
- Must have a valid driver's license and be eligible for insurance coverage for driving the company's vehicles.
- Must be minimum 21 years of age.
- Must become CPI and CPR certified within the first 30 days.
Compensation for this role ranges from $19.50-$23.50 per hour depending on education and experience.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Work experience placement, Shift work, Night shift, Afternoon shift