Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services·Petaluma, California
The Behavioral Health Technician provides structure and supervision to clients, ensuring their safety and wellness. They facilitate daily activities, monitor behavior, and coordinate treatment with counseling staff.
Description $23–$25/hour | Full-Time, Part-Time & Per Diem | Petaluma, CA Day, Evening, Overnight & Weekend Shifts | Shift Differentials Available
Support teens ages 12–17 in our residential mental health and recovery program. This is a direct care and mentorship role—ideal for people passionate about youth development, psychology, or counseling. You'll work alongside therapists and licensed clinicians, providing daily therapeutic support, skills coaching, and supervision. No medical or clinical license required—we provide full training.
Direct care role—not a clinical or medical technician position Meaningful work helping teens and families heal Full training provided—no prior experience needed Career path in behavioral health, counseling, or human services Supportive team alongside therapists, nurses, and educators
What
You'll Do: Provide therapeutic support and skills coaching under direction of licensed clinicians Support daily therapeutic programming and client engagement
Support residents through daily routines: meals, activities, and recreation Monitor resident safety and provide one-on-one support when needed Use de-escalation techniques during emotional or challenging moments Communicate with clinical staff about resident progress during shift handoffs Transport residents to appointments and outings (clean CA license required) Document behaviors and observations per program requirements Administer medications per physician orders (training and certification provided)
What We're Looking For: Must Have: High school diploma or GED Valid CA driver's license with clean record First Aid/CPR certified (or willing to obtain) Calm, patient, and reliable—teens depend on consistent support Preferred: Coursework or degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field Experience working with teens, in residential settings, or mental health programs About Muir Wood: We provide trauma-informed, relationship-centered residential treatment for teens ages 12–17 struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. Join a team committed to clinical excellence, compassion, and collaboration. Muir Wood Adolescent & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
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