Job Description:
Job Title: Lead Behavioral Health Technician
Location: Kirksville, MO
Department: SUD Services
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Job Summary:
Are you a compassionate and experienced behavioral health professional ready to take on a leadership role? Join Preferred Family Healthcare as a Lead Behavioral Health Technician, where you’ll help shape a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for both clients and staff.
In this pivotal role, you’ll supervise client activities, model appropriate behavior, and assist the Clinical Team with treatment procedures. You’ll also mentor and train other Behavioral Health Technicians, ensuring program standards are met and exceeded. If you thrive in a collaborative setting and are passionate about making a difference, we’d love to meet you.
Why Kirksville, MO?
Kirksville offers a unique blend of small-town charm and academic vibrancy, thanks to Truman State University and A.T. Still University. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, cultural events, outdoor recreation, and an affordable cost of living—making it a great place to live and raise a family.
Perks & Benefits
29 Days of PTO
HRSA Loan Repayment Eligibility (requirements apply)
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Health, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Life Insurance & more
401(k) with up to 5% Company Match
Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
Emergency Medical Leave Program
Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare & Dependent Care)
Health & Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Discount Program
Mileage Reimbursement
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support Behavioral Health Technicians during assigned shifts
Supervise daily client activities and ensure compliance with program rules
Communicate client behaviors and concerns to the treatment team
Assist with medication administration procedures
Respond to crisis situations under Program Leadership guidance
Train, orient, and supervise BHTs
Facilitate BHT team meetings
Assist with scheduling and provide coverage for vacant shifts
Lead group education and recreational sessions
Ensure accurate and timely documentation per State Regulatory/CARF standards
Conduct performance reviews for direct reports
Support company goals and contribute to program success
Perform BHT duties as needed
Other duties as assigned by leadership
Qualifications
Education & Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, or related field; OR
High School Diploma/GED with 2+ years of relevant experience
Experience in Human Services or related field preferred
Exceptions may be approved by the Executive Team
Licensure/Certification:For Residential Care Facility (RCF): Must obtain Level 1 Med Aid (LIMA) and Insulin Certification within 90 days of hire.
Additional Skills:
Knowledge of confidentiality laws related to substance use and mental health
Strong leadership and communication abilities
Effective multitasking and prioritization skills
Experience in curriculum development and group facilitation
Proficiency in documentation and electronic medical records
Ability to build rapport while maintaining professional boundaries
Basic math and computer literacy
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
Employment RequirementsSuccessful completion of background checks (criminal, driving, abuse/neglect)
Completion of New Hire Orientation within 30 days
First Aid and CPR certification within 3 months of hire
Medication administration per program standards
TB clearance prior to hire and annually (for Kirksville RCF, Illinois, and Kansas Residential staff)
Adolescent Program staff: Training in adolescent behavior, family dynamics, abuse, stress management, and peer pressure within 6 months of hire.
Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.


Position Perks & Benefits:
Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life
Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more
Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive
Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within
Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness


Brightli is on a Mission:
A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.
As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.