Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) – Outpatient Substance Use Treatment
Location: Salem, Virginia
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $18-$22 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
About Us
We are a new and growing outpatient substance-use treatment facility in Salem, Virginia, dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care in a supportive and intimate environment.
Our program intentionally serves a smaller client population, allowing our team to build meaningful relationships with clients and provide a level of personal attention that can be difficult to achieve in larger treatment settings.
As a new facility, this is an exciting opportunity to join our team early and grow with the organization. We are looking for team members who want to make a difference and have a voice in helping build a positive, recovery-focused program.
Position Overview
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct support to clients participating in outpatient substance-use treatment.
The BHT works closely with counselors, nurses, providers, and other members of the treatment team to promote a safe, structured, respectful, and recovery-oriented environment.
The ideal candidate is dependable, compassionate, observant, and comfortable working with individuals who may be experiencing challenges related to substance use, mental health, and recovery.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct support and supervision to clients in the outpatient treatment setting
- Maintain a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment
- Assist with daily program activities and group programming
- Support clients before, during, and after scheduled treatment activities
- Monitor client behavior and report significant changes or concerns to the appropriate clinical staff
- Assist with maintaining an organized and structured treatment environment
- Encourage appropriate participation and engagement in the program
- Build positive, professional relationships with clients while maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Assist with client check-in and other program-related activities
- Support recovery-focused activities and educational programming
- Assist clinical staff with assigned duties within the BHT's scope of practice
- Complete required documentation accurately and on time
- Maintain client confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements
- Follow all facility safety, infection-control, and emergency procedures
- Communicate effectively with counselors, nursing staff, providers, and leadership
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and ongoing professional development
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and professional treatment environment
- Perform other duties appropriate to the position and applicable Virginia requirements
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- Previous experience in behavioral health, substance-use treatment, mental health, residential treatment, or a related setting preferred
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Reliable and dependable
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
- Compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to individuals in recovery
- Ability to work effectively as part of a small multidisciplinary team
- Basic computer and documentation skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with any of the following are encouraged to apply:
- Behavioral Health Technician experience
- Substance-use disorder treatment experience
- Behavioral-health experience
- Peer Recovery Specialist experience
- BHT or BHT-A registration/eligibility, as applicable
- CPR/BLS certification
- Experience working with adults with co-occurring mental-health and substance-use disorders
- Experience in outpatient, IOP, PHP, residential, or other addiction-treatment settings
What Makes This Opportunity Different?Small, Intimate Client Population
We intentionally maintain a smaller program so that our staff have the opportunity to know the clients they serve and develop meaningful professional relationships.
Be Part of Something New
You won't be joining a large organization where your role is simply another position on a schedule. As an early member of our team, your ideas and contributions will help shape the culture and development of our facility.
Growth Opportunities
We are building a growing organization and want our employees to grow with us. Team members who demonstrate commitment, reliability, leadership, and a passion for recovery will have opportunities to take on additional responsibilities as the program expands.
Supportive Team Environment
Our BHTs work alongside experienced clinical and medical professionals. We value communication, teamwork, respect, and a shared commitment to excellent client care.
Schedule
Full-time | Monday–Friday | Daytime outpatient schedule
No overnight residential shifts.
Compensation & Benefits
$18-22 per hour, based on experience, qualifications, and credentials.
Benefits may include:
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Professional-development opportunities
- Training and continuing education
- Opportunities for advancement
Benefits are subject to employment status and company policies.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
- Genuinely cares about people and believes recovery is possible
- Treats every client with dignity and respect
- Is dependable and willing to be part of a team
- Can maintain appropriate boundaries while building rapport
- Is comfortable working in a new and developing environment
- Takes initiative and is willing to learn
- Wants more than just a job and is interested in being part of something meaningful
If you are passionate about helping individuals affected by substance use and want the opportunity to grow with a new outpatient treatment program, we encourage you to apply.
Join us in building a different kind of treatment environment—one where clients are known, respected, and supported.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
