Mental Health Technician

About the role

The MH Tech plays a critical role in supporting clients experiencing serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring substance use disorders. This position is designed for experienced mental health professionals who are comfortable working with individuals experiencing schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe mood disorders, chronic suicidality, personality disorders, and other complex psychiatric presentations.

As a MH Tech, you will serve as a consistent presence and trusted support for clients while helping maintain a safe, structured, and recovery-oriented environment. You will work closely with clinical leadership to monitor client wellbeing, identify early warning signs of psychiatric decompensation, respond to crises, and support clients in building stability and independence.

This role requires professionalism, emotional intelligence, strong boundaries, sound judgment, and a commitment to upholding safety and structure within the residence.

Founded in 2017 by Zac Clark and Matthew Rinklin, Release Recovery is a leading provider of transitional living, outpatient treatment, and recovery support services for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. With programs throughout New York City and Westchester County, we are committed to offering compassionate, structured, and evidence-based care that empowers individuals and families to heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Psychiatric Support & Client Care

• Support clients experiencing serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.
• Observe and communicate changes in mood, behavior, functioning, and psychiatric presentation.
• Identify early warning signs of psychiatric decompensation and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all residents.
• Build meaningful rapport with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.

Crisis Intervention & Safety

• Utilize de-escalation techniques to respond to behavioral and psychiatric crises.
• Respond calmly and effectively to situations involving psychosis, suicidality, emotional dysregulation, or aggression.
• Assist in implementing safety plans and coordinating higher levels of care when needed.
• Administer drug and BAC testing and support medication monitoring procedures.
• Conduct room searches and monitor for contraband in accordance with program protocols.

Program Operations

• Maintain structure within the home by facilitating daily schedules, programming, and client accountability.
• Monitor attendance and engagement in clinical and community programming.
• Support new admissions and client transitions.
• Attend staff meetings and contribute to ongoing training opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with individuals experiencing serious mental illness.
• Experience supporting clients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe mood disorders, personality disorders, or co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders.
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Valid driver’s license, driving record that meets company and insurance requirements, and legal ability to operate a company vehicle in New York State.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Experience in psychiatric residential treatment, inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, community mental health, supportive housing, or similar settings preferred.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Joining our team means being part of something truly revolutionary.
• We're on a mission to transform how the world understands and treats substance use disorder and serious mental illness.
• At Release, recovery isn't about what you give up—it's about what you gain.