Behavioral Health Technician I Youth Inpatient Unit
Listed compensation
$22.9-$28.05/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 Technician – Youth Inpatient Unit
- Full-Time, On-Site in Bremerton, WA
- Hiring Range: $22.90 – $28.05 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 I team members to support youth receiving inpatient behavioral health treatment. This position helps ensure clients' daily needs are met while maintaining a safe and structured treatment environment.
The role provides hands-on support to both clients and staff while building skills in behavioral health care and therapeutic engagement. If you're committed to supporting youth during critical stages of treatment and recovery, we welcome your application.
Primary Responsibilities
- Meet client daily needs related to health, safety, and unit operations.
- Prepare and serve meals.
- Conduct unit safety checks.
- Monitor clients according to assigned observation levels.
- Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly treatment environment.
- Assist with maintaining adequate inventories of food and non-food supplies.
- Participate in therapeutic activities and other clinical programming as directed.
- Observe and assess client mental status throughout assigned shifts.
- Record client nutritional intake, sleep patterns, and vital signs.
- Follow behavioral support protocols as directed by supervisors and treatment staff.
- Complete electronic and paper documentation 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: High School Diploma or GED
- EXPERIENCE: 1 year (customer service, social services, or behavioral health)
- Valid Washington Food Worker 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: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
Relevant experience working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness. Capacity to work well with children and families.
Education
Associate's degree in psychology, social services, behavioral health or related field.
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.
- 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).
Adaptability- able 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 supports youth in an inpatient unit by meeting daily needs, conducting safety checks, and monitoring client mental status. They also assist with therapeutic activities, maintain a clean environment, and complete necessary clinical documentation.
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience in customer service, social services, or behavioral health. Required certifications include an Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration and a Washington Food Worker card, with CPR certification required within 30 days.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Behavioral Health Career Context
Of the 40 active Behavioral Health listings this role was benchmarked against, 70% have no call, 43% require no weekends.
Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is down 5.0% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $48k–$58k | Behavioral Health median $52k (middle half $45k–$54k)20 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$50k in purchasing power | Washington index 107.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Behavioral Health listings in Washington | 28 active | 1,329 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 70% no call · 43% no weekends40 benchmarked listings |
| Behavioral Health pay trend | −5.0% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$53k midpoint, that is roughly $2k–$4k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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