Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia
Behavioral Health Technician jobs in District of Columbia are consistently active, concentrated in community mental health centers, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and substance use treatment programs that serve the District's dense urban population. Most hiring is in Washington, D.C. itself, where anchor employers like MedStar Health, United Medical Center, and the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health maintain large, ongoing workforces. The most in-demand specialties are crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and co-occurring disorders support. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Behavioral Health Technician jobs
POOL - Behavioral Health Technician
The District of Columbia Stabilization Center (DCSC), operated by Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI), will offer immediate, 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, no cost, low barrier access to Crisis SUD services for individuals 18 years of age and older, regardless of gender, insurance, and citizenship status. The DCSC will provide individuals experiencing an SUD crisis with person-centered and a recovery-oriented alternative to unnecessary encounters at emergency departments or interactions with law enforcement. The DCSC will ensure those individuals seeking or referred for services will receive an integrated and comprehensive care to address their specific needs in a supportive clinical and recovery-oriented environment. CBI will hire pursuant to the DC EEO provisions.
Job Summary
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team that provides direct care to behavioral health patients working under the medical direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). The primary focus is direct patient care as directed and delegated by the RN, Operation Supervisor, Operations Administrator or Clinical Director. The BHT is also responsible for the safety of the unit they are assigned to, including identifying environmental and patient specific safety concerns, and elevating those concerns to the RN, RN Manager, Operations Supervisor, or designee, as needed.
Skills/Requirements:
- Highschool diploma or GED required. Associate degree in counseling, psychology or a health care related field preferred.
- Six (6) or more months of clinical health care related experience where his or her prior experience would provide adequate exposure to both behavioral and/or medical crisis situations preferred.
- Minimum of six months of recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders preferred.
- Certified Medical Assistant certification (current and in good standing) is preferred.
- Emergency Medical Technician certification is preferred.
- Certified Nurse Assistant certification is preferred.
- Valid identification required.
- We are experiencing tremendous growth currently. As an essential service provider, we value all our employees and their careers.
- For the past four years, The Phoenix Business Journal has recognized CBI as one of the top ten healthiest mid-size employers in the Valley!
Our staff experience tremendous professional growth through ongoing training and support. Our team is supported by strong and competent leadership. The leadership at CBI is committed to ongoing professional development for their staff. Come join our team of passionate individuals who are serious about making a difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve.
About our Culture, commitment to employees!
- We are looking for driven and compassionate individuals that thrive in an upbeat and safe working environment. We dedicate a lot of thought and effort into work life balance as well as our competitive composition structure.
- We know life happens, that’s why we all start with a 5-week PTO plan as well as a wide range of unique benefits!
Our locations are all state-of-the-art facilities that provide top notch integrated care. We are proud to adhere to a “no wrong door” treatment approach that allows our staff to dramatically improve the quality of life for the patients in their care.
Hourly Rate $28.00
#INDHP
CBI Offers an excellent benefits package!
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, Supplemental plans - Hospital indemnity/ Critical Illness, Pet Insurance, Dependent Care Savings, Health Care Savings, 401K with employer match - 100% vested upon enrollment, Generous PTO accrual, Wellness programs, Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarship Programs, incentives, and more!
- For the past four years, The Phoenix Business Journal has recognized CBI as one of the top ten healthiest mid-size employers in the Valley.
POOL - Behavioral Health Technician
The District of Columbia Stabilization Center (DCSC), operated by Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI), will offer immediate, 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, no cost, low barrier access to Crisis SUD services for individuals 18 years of age and older, regardless of gender, insurance, and citizenship status. The DCSC will provide individuals experiencing an SUD crisis with person-centered and a recovery-oriented alternative to unnecessary encounters at emergency departments or interactions with law enforcement. The DCSC will ensure those individuals seeking or referred for services will receive an integrated and comprehensive care to address their specific needs in a supportive clinical and recovery-oriented environment. CBI will hire pursuant to the DC EEO provisions.
Job Summary
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team that provides direct care to behavioral health patients working under the medical direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). The primary focus is direct patient care as directed and delegated by the RN, Operation Supervisor, Operations Administrator or Clinical Director. The BHT is also responsible for the safety of the unit they are assigned to, including identifying environmental and patient specific safety concerns, and elevating those concerns to the RN, RN Manager, Operations Supervisor, or designee, as needed.
Skills/Requirements:
- Highschool diploma or GED required. Associate degree in counseling, psychology or a health care related field preferred.
- Six (6) or more months of clinical health care related experience where his or her prior experience would provide adequate exposure to both behavioral and/or medical crisis situations preferred.
- Minimum of six months of recovery from substance use and/or mental health disorders preferred.
- Certified Medical Assistant certification (current and in good standing) is preferred.
- Emergency Medical Technician certification is preferred.
- Certified Nurse Assistant certification is preferred.
- Valid identification required.
- We are experiencing tremendous growth currently. As an essential service provider, we value all our employees and their careers.
- For the past four years, The Phoenix Business Journal has recognized CBI as one of the top ten healthiest mid-size employers in the Valley!
Our staff experience tremendous professional growth through ongoing training and support. Our team is supported by strong and competent leadership. The leadership at CBI is committed to ongoing professional development for their staff. Come join our team of passionate individuals who are serious about making a difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve.
About our Culture, commitment to employees!
- We are looking for driven and compassionate individuals that thrive in an upbeat and safe working environment. We dedicate a lot of thought and effort into work life balance as well as our competitive composition structure.
- We know life happens, that’s why we all start with a 5-week PTO plan as well as a wide range of unique benefits!
Our locations are all state-of-the-art facilities that provide top notch integrated care. We are proud to adhere to a “no wrong door” treatment approach that allows our staff to dramatically improve the quality of life for the patients in their care.
Hourly Rate $28.00
#INDHP
CBI Offers an excellent benefits package!
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, Supplemental plans - Hospital indemnity/ Critical Illness, Pet Insurance, Dependent Care Savings, Health Care Savings, 401K with employer match - 100% vested upon enrollment, Generous PTO accrual, Wellness programs, Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarship Programs, incentives, and more!
- For the past four years, The Phoenix Business Journal has recognized CBI as one of the top ten healthiest mid-size employers in the Valley.
See All 15 Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Technician Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Technician Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health technician jobs across District of Columbia.
- High school diploma or GED with relevant behavioral health or human services coursework
- Current CPR and first aid certification required by most District of Columbia employers
- Experience supporting individuals with mental health, substance use, or developmental disabilities
- Ability to pass a District of Columbia criminal background check and drug screening
- Familiarity with crisis de-escalation techniques such as CPI or MANDT training
- Basic electronic health records documentation skills for compliance with D.C. care standards
Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health technician in District of Columbia?
There is no single state-issued license exclusive to the behavioral health technician role in the District of Columbia, but most employers require at minimum a high school diploma, CPR certification, and completion of on-the-job or employer-sponsored training aligned with D.C. Department of Behavioral Health standards. Candidates who complete a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner certification or a community health worker credential recognized in D.C. stand out in hiring. Many entry roles are filled directly by large community mental health providers.
Which companies hire behavioral health technicians in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring behavioral health technicians in District of Columbia right now include Unity Health Care, So Others Might Eat, and Community Bridges, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The District's network of federally funded community mental health centers and hospital-based psychiatric units drives consistent demand from established institutional employers throughout the city.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most behavioral health technician jobs?
The cities with the most behavioral health technician openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington, D.C. accounts for the overwhelming share of demand given its concentration of psychiatric hospitals, community mental health organizations, and federally supported treatment programs, while nearby areas in the D.C. metro pull additional volume from regional health systems operating on both sides of the District's borders.
Are there remote behavioral health technician jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're rare. Behavioral health technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct client contact in residential, inpatient, or community settings. About 100% of behavioral health technician openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to be limited to care coordination, telehealth support, or documentation-heavy administrative functions rather than direct client care.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health technician in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for mental health worker associate or behavioral health aide roles at D.C. community mental health centers, which regularly hire candidates without prior clinical experience and provide structured on-the-job training. The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health and organizations like Psychiatric Institute of Washington offer entry-level positions that count toward supervised hours. Completing a CPR certification and a basic crisis intervention course before applying gives candidates a concrete edge in competitive entry-level pools.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health technician jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to behavioral health technician jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the District right now. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and specialty area, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 15 Behavioral Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs