Behavioral Health Technicians

Our dedicated Behavioral Health Technicians give direct service and support to individuals coming from a variety of backgrounds. Our Behavioral Health Technicians provide an important service designed specifically to meet each individual's needs, both one-on-one and as part of a team.

What is a Behavioral Health Technician?

Behavioral Health Technicians provide individualized services for adults and children in a variety of home and community settings. A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) may provide services for individuals living in private homes, in group homes, or other community-based settings. BHTs implement person program plans and treatment plans for individuals with mental health disorders, traumatic brain injuries, developmental disorders, and other disabilities. Some BHTs may be further trained to provide specialized services for children with autism.

What does a Behavioral Health Technician do?

“I began as a DSP (BHT) and then advanced to a lead staff position in charge of one of our residential sites. Currently I am completing my internship with Solutions at the program coordinator level to receive experience from the office side of residential while still working as a lead staff. At Solutions, I have been able to grow not only on a professional level but within myself. I would recommend this job for any student that would like experience in the mental health field. It takes what you learn in the classroom and puts it into practice. The most valuable thing I have gained from working at Solutions for the past two years is the ability to watch clients grow in a positive way and know that I had a part in the process.”
— Katelyn Wold-Clough

A BHT is responsible for supporting and upholding a client's individualized treatment plan. They will do this in a variety of ways, with the aim of helping the client interact positively within the community and learn important life skills. A BHT will work with the client to:

  • Foster positive social interactions

  • Work on planning and problem solving

  • Facilitate developmentally appropriate daily schedules

  • Support community independence

  • Provide skills training

  • Mentor and coach daily living skills

  • Teach self-regulation skills

Becoming a Behavioral Health Technician

Are you interested in a career in the mental health field? Becoming a Behavioral Health Technician is an ideal starting point. As an entry-level position, Solutions employs BHTs from a variety of backgrounds, including those with high school degrees, those in college, recent college graduates, or those just starting out in the mental health field. Solutions is regularly hiring both full and part time BHTs, with a wide range of scheduling possibilities. Full time staff receive the following financial benefits:

“I graduated from MSUM with a degree in social work. My first job after graduating was as a DSP (BHT) in the residential program at Solutions. The training and experience I received reinforced my decision to pursue a career in the mental health field. During my career, I have held several positions with Solutions, which include a case manager/mental health practitioner, a supervisor, and currently part of the senior management team. Solutions continues to provide me with the experience needed to grow my skills as I am currently working towards licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.”
— Nicole England, MSW, LSW (MN), LCSW (ND)

  • Health insurance (with an employee contribution)

  • Life insurance

  • Short and long term disability

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • 401k Plan

Other benefits include:

  • Flexible hours while you finish your education

  • Working in a team environment

  • Supportive supervisors and co-workers

  • Possibility of internships

  • Possibility of promotion

  • Ability to develop a career path

  • Invaluable experience working with people

  • An opportunity to be a part of a young, thriving organization's social mission

Developing a Career Path

Frequent advancement is common within the agency. There are former entry-level staff represented in all departments and management levels at Solutions. Three top administrators once provided front-line services, and many staff are in management and Mental Health Practitioner positions. Nearly one quarter of staff at Solutions are in positions to which they were promoted. Our focus on creating the next generation of leaders gives employees an opportunity to choose their career path and improve their skills while working towards professional development within the Behavioral Health technician position.

Not all Behavioral Healthcare Technicians plan to work in the mental health field. For some, Solutions provides valuable training experience in how to effectively engage with somethings difficult individuals, as they prepare for other careers. Some Solutions alumni have gone on to work in law enforcement, as clinical psychologists, optometrists, physical therapists, and in business fields. These former staff credit Solutions for providing critical job training.

Are you interested in becoming a Behavioral Health Technician? Check out our Employment page to find current openings!