Behavioral Health Tech II Youth Inpatient Unit
Listed compensation
$25.19-$30.86/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and nights and shift pattern.
Job Description
- Behavioral Health Tech II (Advanced) – Youth Inpatient Unit
- Full-Time, On-Site in Bremerton, WA
- Hiring Range: $25.19 – $30.86 Per Hour
- Additional Pay With Shift Differentials (Up To An Additional $1.25/Hr)
- Benefits at a Glance
- Comprehensive Coverage: Health, Dental & Vision
- Generous PTO: Up to 19 days + 2 mental health days + 10 holidays (pro-rated for part-time)
- Fully Paid YMCA Membership for you and eligible family members
- Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Student Loan Assistance & Professional Development
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet Insurance
- Free Wellness App (2MorrowHealth)
- Collaborative, Supportive Team Environment
Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) is hiring Behavioral Health Technician II team members to provide support within the Youth Inpatient Unit. This position helps youth build skills, navigate challenges, and participate in treatment while receiving inpatient behavioral health services.
The role serves as an experienced presence within the milieu and supports both therapeutic programming and unit operations. If you're committed to helping youth make meaningful progress during treatment, we welcome your application.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate approved treatment groups independently.
- Work directly with clients on therapeutic activities assigned by the treatment team.
- Conduct ongoing observation and assessment of client mental status during each shift.
- Assist with client admissions and orientation to services.
- Assist with client de-escalation and crisis situations.
- Provide a therapeutic presence within the treatment milieu.
- Meet client daily needs related to health, safety, and unit operations.
- Prepare and serve meals.
- Conduct unit safety checks.
- Monitor clients according to assigned levels of observation.
- Provide transportation as directed by a supervisor.
- Assist in maintaining a clean work environment.
- Assist in maintaining adequate inventories of food and non-food supplies.
- Follow specific behavioral protocols and treatment interventions as directed.
- Complete electronic and paper charting, documentation, and data entry in accordance with KMHS policies and procedures.
- Complete paperwork related to admissions, discharges, confidentiality requirements, client rights, inventories, tracking forms, and other required records.
- Attend mandatory trainings and maintain required certifications and documentation.
- Support staffing needs within the Youth Inpatient Unit.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in psychology, social services, behavioral health or Education. High School Diploma/GED accepted with four or more years’ relevant experience.
- EXPERIENCE: Two years of relevant experience in social services, behavioral health or education)
- Valid Washington Food Handler card.
Licensure
Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration. Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; training provided by the organization).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience
Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness in high-intensity/high-acuity setting. Capacity to work well with children and families.
Performance Requirements
Knowledge
Maintain working knowledge and skill in verbal de-escalation skills as outlined in agency trainings
Skills
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, clients, organizations, and the public.
- Communicates clearly and concisely.
- Confidentiality- able to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.
Abilities
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
Demonstrated ability to work in stressful situations (i. e., clients in crisis).
- Albe to adjust approach to meet changing demands and situations including working with diverse populations.
- Worksite-Specific Requirements: check applicable worksite(s)
- WORKSITE #1: Almira Main Campus- Youth Inpatient Unit
- REQUIREMENT: No additional requirements for this role.
- Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, telephones, etc.
- Work Environment: Office and inpatient treatment unit.
- Mental/Physical Requirements: Performing the essential duties of the job requires:
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to ascend and descend stairs and navigate indoor environments safely.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (occasionally).
Ability to assist with client movement and transfers, with or without assistance, in accordance with training and safety protocols.
Ability to safely participate in crisis intervention, including implementation of approved de-escalation techniques and physical restraints in accordance with agency training and policy.
Ability to move quickly and respond to emergencies, including rapid repositioning or short-distance movement to maintain safety.
Ability to use hands and arms for reaching, handling, and manipulation, including reaching above shoulder level.
- Visual acuity sufficient to read written materials and observe surroundings.
- Peripheral vision sufficient to monitor clients and the environment.
- Hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and detect environmental and behavioral cues.
Ability to meet and maintain physical requirements demonstrated through agency-mandated training, including demonstration of ability to: maintain balance, twist torso, forward bend, pivot, sidestep, forward and backward step, crouch, move to secure limb, knee touch to ground, kneel, get up from floor sitting or kneeling position.
Our recruitment processes are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any aspect which makes someone unique.
Key Responsibilities
The Behavioral Health Technician facilitates treatment groups, monitors client mental status, and assists with daily unit operations and safety. They provide direct therapeutic support to youth, manage crisis situations, and maintain accurate clinical documentation.
Requirements
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or a High School Diploma/GED with at least four years of experience. Required certifications include an Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and current CPR certification.
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Behavioral Health Career Context
Of the 40 active Behavioral Health listings this role was benchmarked against, 75% have no call, 38% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$58k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $54k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $52k–$64k | Behavioral Health median $51k (middle half $45k–$53k)15 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$54k in purchasing power | Washington index 107.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Behavioral Health listings in Washington | 30 active | 1,295 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 75% no call · 38% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | loan repayment | US healthcare professional listings: 5% state a sign-on bonus (median $3k) · 14% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Oct 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$58k midpoint, that is roughly $2k–$4k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
Top Behavioral Health Tech Jobs
20 matches · ranked by paySalary Distribution
20 jobs · 13 employersAnnual compensation range
Behavioral Health Technician
Discovery Behavioral Health · Fairfax, Virginia
Behavioral Health Tech IV
Koniag Government Services · Crow Agency, Montana
Behavioral Health Associate I
$20-$25/hrBehavioral Health Technician- AFTERNOONS (2:30 PM - 11 PM)
$21-$25/hr