Behavioral Health Technician (CNA or HCA)

Overview

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct, recovery-oriented support to residents receiving mental health services within a licensed residential treatment setting. The BHT supports a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment and assists residents with daily living activities, skill development, and engagement in treatment.

An active credential with the Washington State Department of Health as a Home Care Aide (HCA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is required.

Location: Keystone 3515 Woodland Park Ave N. Seattle, WA. 98103

We are currently hiring for the following shift:

• 1 Swing Shift position - 2:00PM - 10:30PM

The ideal candidate demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to person-centered. 

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct supervision and support to residents in a behavioral health residential setting.
• Support activities of daily living and engagement in the residential milieu.
• Observe, document, and report resident behavior, mood, functioning, and health-related concerns to nursing and supervisory staff.
• Respond to crisis situations using approved de-escalation and safety techniques.
• Support therapeutic, recreational, and skill-building activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in all interactions and documentation.
• Collaborate with clinical, nursing, and supervisory staff to support coordinated care.
• Complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• N/A

KEY WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships across departments, engaging with residents, team members, management and leadership in a manner that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Contributes to a respectful and inclusive work environment by practicing cultural humility, promoting equity in services and decision-making, and supporting efforts that foster a sense of belonging for all.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or social services, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Compassionate, professional, and recovery-oriented approach.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and follow structure.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a residential environment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

• Active credential with the Washington State Department of Health as a Home Care Aide (HCA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) required.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Current Food Handler’s Permit required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Completion of tuberculosis (TB) screening in accordance with state and organizational requirements, including documentation of evaluation, treatment, or clearance as applicable.
• Completion of all required training in accordance with organizational and Washington State requirements.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and insurable driving record required.
• Successful completion of criminal background check(s) required.

 SENSORY/PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

The requirement described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made through the interactive ADA accommodation process to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sensory:

• Vision sufficient for close observation, monitoring resident condition, and recognizing changes in physical or behavioral status, with or without corrective aids.
• Hearing sufficient to communicate effectively with residents and team members and to respond to alarms or calls for assistance, with or without assistive devices.
• Communication ability to exchange information clearly and accurately in person and through documentation systems.
• Tolerance for exposure to bodily fluids, odors, and cleaning chemicals in a healthcare environment.

Physical:

• Frequent standing and sitting throughout the shift.
• Walking for extended periods, up to 90% of the shift.
• Lifting, transferring, and repositioning residents, typically up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance or mechanical devices.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching to provide direct resident care.
• Assisting residents with mobility, including ambulation and transfers (e.g., bed, chair, toilet) and fall recovery.
• Pushing and pulling equipment such as wheelchairs, beds, carts, and mechanical lifts.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform tasks such as feeding, grooming, dressing, and documenting care.
• Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and arms during care activities.
• Physical stamina to sustain performance in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and variable workload.
• Responding physically in emergency or behavioral situations in accordance with training and organizational policy.

Cognitive:

• Monitoring resident conditions and recognizing changes that may require intervention or escalation.
• Responding promptly and appropriately to emergency, safety, or behavioral situations.
• Maintaining attention, situational awareness, and alertness in environments with unpredictable resident behaviors.
• Applying training in de-escalation and approved behavioral intervention techniques.
• Managing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, interruption-driven environment.
• Following established care plans, procedures, and safety protocols while adapting to changing resident needs.

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS 

All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that a team member encounters while working at Sound is considered confidential. Sound team members may encounter protected health information in the regular course of their work. This position may be exposed to and required to deal with highly confidential and sensitive material and must adhere to Sound policies, guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations at all times. 

Perks at Sound!

All Team Members at Sound working 40 hours per week will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Premium 100% paid by Sound for team member and child coverage to age 26, depending on plan selected. Spouse/Domestic Partner coverage available at team member’s cost.
• Life Insurance (2x annual salary + additional $25,000): paid by Sound
• Long Term Disability Insurance (60% monthly salary): paid by Sound
• Retirement Plan: Sound contributes 3% to team member’s plan; team member is 100% vested.
• Retirement Plan - 401(k) Plan, pre-tax and/or Roth: team member may contribute to their own plan.
• Health Savings Account: Sound contributes $1,133.33 (individual) or $2,266.67 (family) for eligible team members, pro-rated for new hires in first year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: for health care and dependent day care costs (pre-tax)
• EAP: Employee Assistance Plan
• Vacation: 18 days per year, increasing with years of service
• Holidays: 9 days per year
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year
• Bereavement Leave: for death in the family
• Parking: Free at all Sound sites
• Training: Free in-house professional training and $400 annually + 3 paid days approved off-site training
• Service Award: at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 years of service

Compensation: $27.05 - $28.44 per hour