Lead Behavioral Health Technician

Lead Behavioral Health Technician

Location:

Independence, MO

Employment Type:

Full-time

Job Summary:

The Lead Behavioral Health Technician plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and recovery-focused environment for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. This is an opportunity to step into a leadership role where your compassion, clinical awareness, and ability to guide others truly make a difference. You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to helping individuals stabilize, heal, and move forward—while also supporting and mentoring fellow Behavioral Health Technicians.

In this role, you will assist the Clinical Team with treatment procedures, supervise and support clients/patients, and provide leadership and direction to Behavioral Health Technicians working the same shift. You will model appropriate behavior, orient clients to program expectations, and help onboard and guide staff in daily operations. This position blends hands-on client care with leadership responsibilities in a fast-paced behavioral health, mental health, and substance use treatment setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support Behavioral Health Technicians on shift, providing guidance, direction, and real-time coaching
• Supervise daily activities of clients/patients while fostering a safe, therapeutic, and structured community
• Model professional conduct, appropriate boundaries, and trauma-informed care practices
• De-escalate crisis situations using approved behavioral management techniques with direction from Program Leadership
• Facilitate education, skill-building, and recreational groups as scheduled
• Assist with training, onboarding, and supervision of Behavioral Health Technicians
• Prepare or assist in preparation of group education materials and curricula development
• Ensure accurate, timely documentation in compliance with state regulatory and CARF standards
• Adhere to medication administration policies and support team compliance
• Assist with staff scheduling, shift coverage, and facilitate staff meetings as needed
• Complete performance reviews for direct reports within designated time frames
• Perform all core duties of a Behavioral Health Technician as required

Education, Experience, and/or Credential

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, or a closely related field OR
• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of two (2) years of responsible employment history
• Experience in human services, behavioral health, mental health, or substance use treatment preferred
• Exceptions to qualifications may be approved by an Executive Team member
• For Residential Care Facilities:
  Ability to obtain Level 1 Med Aid (LIMA) credential and Insulin Certification within the first 90 days

Additional Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and active auto insurance
• Ability to meet all background check, abuse/neglect screening, and regulatory requirements
• Leadership skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and support team success
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including electronic medical record documentation
• Ability to establish rapport with diverse client populations while maintaining professional boundaries
• Must attain required certifications and trainings within designated time frames as outlined by program standards

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods throughout the shift
• Ability to climb stairs and move throughout a residential or clinical setting
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, and stooping as needed
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to use hands for writing, typing, and operating electronic systems
• Clear vision,…