Behavioral Health Technician - BIRCH Program

Pennsylvania Psychological Association; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits (health, dental

Paid time off + 9 holidays

Retirement plan options

Tuition reimbursement + CEUs

Clinical supervision

Wellness & employee assistance

Mileage reimbursement for work travel

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

RiverValley Behavioral Health Children's Hospital in Owensboro, KY seeks a Behavioral Health Technician for the BIRCH Program. This long‑term inpatient unit serves male adolescents ages 12–17 requiring 6-9 months of intensive, trauma‑informed treatment.

The BHT supports a safe, structured milieu, assists with daily living, participates in therapy teams, documents interactions and helps implement individualized treatment plans while maintaining therapeutic boundaries and collaboration with

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework in psychology, education or related field preferred.
• One 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.

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, 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.

Skills

Verbal communication

Documentation

Crisis response

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College coursework in psychology/education

Driver's license

Job description

Position Title: Behavioral Health Technician - BIRCH Program

Location: Owensboro, KY 42301; Henderson, KY 42420

Description

About the BIRCH Program: Located in Owensboro, KY

The BIRCH program is a specialized long‑term treatment program for high‑acuity adolescents. Developed in partnership with and funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services, this first‑of‑its‑kind program in Kentucky serves male adolescents ages 12-17 who require 6-9 months of intensive, trauma‑informed treatment.

Job Summary: Day Shift and Overnight Shift options available!

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.

Why Choose RiverValley?

RiverValley is now a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), expanding access to high‑quality, integrated care in the communities we serve. Join a mission‑driven organization committed to clinical excellence, professional growth, and meaningful impact.

We offer:

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, Telehealth)
• Paid time off + 9 holidays
• Retirement plan options
• Tuition reimbursement + free CEUs
• Clinical supervision
• Wellness & employee assistance programs
• Mileage reimbursement for work related travel
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer

Qualifications

Education 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.

Position Type: Full Time

Travel Percentage: High School/GED

Education Level: High School/GED

Job Shift: Night

Level: Entry