Behavioral Health Technician (BIRCH) Hospital - 3rd Shift

RiverValley Behavioral Health; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

RiverValley Behavioral Health in Owensboro, KY seeks a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) for the BIRCH Program at its Children’s Hospital. The BHT supports youth with emotional and behavioral needs in a long-term inpatient setting, providing structure and skill development over 6 to 9 months.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED, a day shift, and a commitment to trauma-informed care. The position involves collaboration with nursing and clinical teams to ensure safe, cohesive care.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework in psychology or related field preferred.
• Experience with youth in behavioral health or related settings preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Support a safe, structured and trauma-informed environment for patients.
• Serve as a positive role model, reinforcing pro-social behaviors and coping strategies.
• Implement components of the patient’s individualized treatment plan, including coaching on coping skills, de-escalation and behavior regulation.
• Assist with admission and orientation procedures including contraband searches and transitions to the unit.
• Participate in daily therapeutic programming, team huddles and clinical debriefs.
• Maintain detailed documentation of patient behaviors and engagement.

Skills

Verbal communication

Documentation

Crisis intervention

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Owensboro, KY 42301

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School/GED

Salary Range: $20.00 - $21.00 Hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) in the BIRCH Program at RiverValley Behavioral Health Children’s Hospital plays a vital role in supporting youth with significant emotional and behavioral needs in a long-term inpatient setting. BIRCH provides structured stabilization and intensive skill development over a period of 6 to 9 months, often for patients who have not succeeded in less intensive settings.

Essential Functions:

• Support a safe, structured and trauma-informed environment for patients.
• Serve as a positive role model, reinforcing pro-social behaviors and coping strategies.
• Implement components of the patient’s individualized treatment plan, including coaching on coping skills, de-escalation and behavior regulation.
• Assist with admission and orientation procedures including contraband searches, patient belongings processing and supporting smooth transitions to the unit.
• Participate in daily therapeutic programming, team huddles and clinical debriefs.
• Provide verbal prompts and reinforcement to promote engagement in treatment activities and skill modules.
• Maintain detailed, timely documentation of patient behaviors, interactions and therapeutic engagement.
• Assist with basic daily living needs (e.g., hygiene, meals, cleaning) in a manner that promotes independence.
• Ensure room checks, safety checks and consistent monitoring (1:1 ratio) to maintain a therapeutic milieu.
• Collaborate with nursing, clinical and administrative staff to ensure cohesive care and address safety concerns.
• Participate in team meetings, staff development and supervision as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsEducation and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework in psychology, education or related field preferred.
• One (1) year of experience working with youth in behavioral health, residential or juvenile justice settings preferred.
• Valid driver's license preferred.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and behavioral interventions strongly encouraged.
• Understanding of child development, behavioral interventions and therapeutic boundaries.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong verbal communication, documentation and crisis response skills.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in stressful situations.
• Capacity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.