Behavioral Health Technician at Ascension in Iowa City, IA

Behavioral Health Technician (Recovery Support Specialist)

Location: Iowa City, IA Reports To: Recovery Supervisor Status: Full-Time or Weekend Shifts Shifts: Day (2:00pm–10:30pm) | Night (10:00pm–6:30am)

🔥Join a team that’s changing lives.

➡️ At Thrive Now Recovery Centers and our affiliated treatment centers, we are building something different—programs that deliver exceptional, person-centered care and restore hope for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Our work is grounded in trauma-informed care, compassion, and integrity, and every team member plays a meaningful role in a client’s recovery journey.

Whether you’re bedside in medical, guiding clinical programming, supporting recovery services, or ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that shows up for one another and the people we serve. We offer modern, well-trained workplaces, opportunities for growth, and leadership that invests in your success.

If you’re looking for a place where your work truly matters—and where you’ll make a lasting impact—this is it. We’re glad you’re considering joining our team.

❓About the Role:

The Recovery Support Specialist/Behavioral Health Technician plays an essential role in supporting clients throughout the entire treatment experience—from admission to discharge. RSS team members help maintain a safe, structured, and recovery-oriented environment by assisting clients with daily routines, supporting treatment goals, monitoring safety, and providing compassionate engagement rooted in trauma-informed care.

This position ensures that program expectations are upheld, collaborates with clinical and medical staff, and provides hands-on support to clients experiencing substance use, co-occurring disorders, crisis moments, and early recovery challenges.

🗝️Responsibilities

Client Support & Engagement

• Assist clients with daily living activities, recreation, community meetings, and scheduled appointments.
• Provide full orientation to all new clients within 48 hours, including rules, expectations, schedules, and facility layout.
• Review and support client participation in recovery activities; communicate observations to appropriate staff.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational, recovery, or skills-based groups under supervision.
• Assist clients experiencing emotional, social, or health-related crises and escalate appropriately.
• Support client vocational, recovery, and post-discharge goals as directed.

Safety Monitoring & Compliance

• Monitor clients to ensure safety, adherence to program expectations, and policy compliance.
• Conduct vital signs, urine drug screens, and breathalyzer tests per protocol; maintain chain-of-custody documentation.
• Assist in monitoring and maintaining client medications per site policy.
• Conduct scheduled safety checks, rounds, and environmental oversight.
• Ensure the facility complies with fire safety policies, visitor policies, and emergency procedures.

Facility & Operational Support

• Provide clerical support to the treatment team, including scheduling, documentation, and front desk operations.
• Support meal service, housekeeping oversight, and general facility organization.
• Maintain accurate progress notes, incident reports, and documentation within the EHR.
• Assist staff and leadership with program-related needs to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Transportation & Community Support

• Safely transport clients to appointments, recovery meetings, grocery stores, or approved community activities.
• Support client participation in external resources and community-based services.

✅Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 30 days (American Red Cross or American Heart Association only).
• Valid driver’s license required; must obtain Class D (or state equivalent) within 30 days of hire for transportation responsibilities.
• Ability to pass background checks and motor vehicle screening.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, or related field.
• 1+ years of experience in addiction treatment, behavioral health, or residential services.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and electronic health record systems.
• Experience or knowledge of 12-Step programs, peer recovery principles, or dual diagnosis treatment.
• Personal or professional experience with recovery (minimum 2 years sustained recovery if applicable).

🏢Work Conditions / Physical & Mental Demands

Environment:

• Indoor residential treatment setting with moderate activity level.

Physical:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to assist clients in physical tasks and respond to emergencies.

Cognitive/Emotional:

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in fast-paced settings.
• Maintain professionalism with clients experiencing withdrawal, emotional distress, or crisis.
• Sustain focus for documentation and monitoring responsibilities.

💙Why You’ll Love Working Here

The work we do truly changes lives. We recognize the importance of supporting the people who make that impact possible. When you join our team, you’re stepping into a place that invests in your growth, wellbeing, and long-term career success.

Comprehensive Benefits & Support

We offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support you at work and at home, including:

• ICHRA Health Benefit – choose the health plan that best fits your needs, with premium reimbursement
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance, with optional supplemental coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) + paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clear Career Pathways & Advancement Opportunities
• Safe, Trauma-Informed, Supportive Work Environment
• Modern Facilities & Updated Tools
• Strong, Accessible Leadership committed to your success

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen our organization and enhance the quality of care we provide. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining talented team members from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.