Behavioral Health Technician SPIRIT Program

White Mountain Apache Behavioral Health Services, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Behavioral Health Technician Spirit Day – Treatment Program

CLASSIFICATION CODE: EXEMPT FULL TIME

Department: Clinical

REPORTS TO: PROGRAM FACILITATOR AND SPIRIT DIRCTOR

Statement of Job

The SPIRIT (Structured Program for Instructional Recovery & Intervention Therapy) Day-Treatment Program is a new intensive IOP/day-treatment initiative for expelled junior high and high school students (primarily Apache youth) who have been removed from school due to behavioral issues or juvenile court involvement.

BHTs are essential frontline staff supporting daily operations, client safety, transportation, SEL/academic activities, cultural practices, and documentation to promote academic recovery, behavioral improvement, and successful return to school/community.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Program Facilitator and SPIRIT Director (Nelson Valiquette).

Schedule

Monday–Thursday, approximately 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (includes morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off transportation runs).

Duties and Responsibilities

Transportation & Safety — Safely transport clients via program van from communities (e. g., Cibecue, Whiteriver, Canyon Day) for morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off. Maintain vehicle cleanliness, enforce safety rules, and document transportation notes in MyEvolve.

Daily Program Support — Assist with arrival/breakfast, morning circle/goal setting, journal writing, academic recovery blocks (AZ standards, gap closure, testing, Edgenuity), lunch/outdoor movement, life-skills/relapse prevention groups, point system, and departures.

SEL & Behavioral Health — Co-lead or support daily SEL/behavior lessons, talking circles, cultural activities (e. g., Apache language, land-based practices), and coping skills development. Model positive behavior, de-escalate situations, and build trusting relationships with at-risk youth.

Documentation & Compliance — Complete accurate DAP notes, PMRs, contact/transport notes, and Service Entry Reports in MyEvolve. Contribute to individual client files on SharePoint. Participate in CFT meetings, clinical supervision, and team meetings.

Team Collaboration — Work closely with clinicians, Facilitator, Director, schools, courts, Tribal partners, and other ABHS departments. Support program growth, including home visits, outings, and integration of community resources (e. g., equine therapy, boxing).

Facility & Logistics — Help with meals, facility upkeep, materials preparation, and flexible tasks to ensure smooth operations.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s/Bachelor’s in behavioral health, education, psychology, or related field preferred.

• Valid Arizona Driver’s License with clean driving record (van training provided).
• Experience working with youth, especially at-risk, trauma-affected, or Native American populations (SEL, substance use prevention, cultural sensitivity highly desired).
• BHT certification (or willingness to obtain – ABHS supports training).

Strong communication, reliability, teamwork, and cultural humility. Apache language/cultural knowledge a plus.

Must pass background check, fingerprint clearance, and drug screening.

**NOTE: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473).

Essential Functions

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Constant: standing. Frequent: repetitive use of hand, walking, standing, bending neck and waist, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting neck and waist, simple grasping of left and right hand, power grasping right and left hand, fine manipulation right and left hand, pushing and pulling right and left hand, reaching above shoulder level, reaching below shoulder level, lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds from below the waist to a height of 3 feet.