Behavioral Health Technician

Launch Your Career in Behavioral Health with Valley wise Health!

Are you passionate about helping others and ready to begin a meaningful career in behavioral health? The Valley wise Health Behavioral Health Tech (BHT) Academy offers a structured, 12‑week training experience designed to support individuals with little to no prior healthcare background as they enter the behavioral health field. This program provides the foundation, mentorship, and paid hands‑on experience needed to grow into a confident Behavioral Health Technician working in an inpatient psychiatric setting with our community’s most vulnerable patients under Court-Ordered Evaluation or Treatment due to mental illness.

• Comprehensive 12‑Week Curriculum: A balanced blend of classroom instruction and supervised clinical shifts to build core behavioral health competencies.
• Key Focus Areas: Patient safety, communication, de‑escalation, trauma‑informed care, quality service, and professional development.
• Supportive Learning Environment: Work alongside experienced behavioral health professionals dedicated to your success.
• Career Growth: Develop the skills needed for long‑term success and advancement within Valley wise Health’s behavioral health system.

Hourly Pay Rate: $16.87 – $24.88, paid throughout the training program

• High school diploma or GED
• Strong interest in behavioral health, patient care, and teamwork
• Effective communication skills and a willingness to learn
• Compassion, patience, and professional maturity
• No previous behavioral health experience required — ideal for first‑time Behavioral Health Technicians
• Must meet Arizona Administrative Code R9‑10‑306 age/licensure requirements:
• At least 21 years old or at least 18 years old and licensed/certified under A.R.S. Title 32, working within licensed scope
• BLS certification from the American Heart Association will be completed during orientation

• The 12-week academy will be held Monday through Friday, primarily during day shift; however, some evening sessions will be required.
• Clinical
  
  Shifts:
  
  Hands‑on practice in real patient care settings with dedicated supervision.
• Classroom Modules:
  Engaging lessons focused on behavioral health concepts, patient interaction, and essential workforce skills.
• Balanced Training
  
  Experience:
  
  Structured to build confidence, competence, and connection with peers, faculty, and mentors.

The successful graduate will demonstrate competency in all required skills and knowledge areas upon completion of the academy. Upon graduation, nursing leaders will partner with each graduate to identify a permanent schedule and location that best supports both individual preferences and organizational needs. Schedules will include 12-hour shifts, a weekend commitment and some positions may include night shift opportunities.