Behavioral Health Technician - BIRCH Program

MePA; 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 & EAP

Mileage reimbursement

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

RiverValley Behavioral Health in Owensboro, KY, seeks a Behavioral Health Technician for the BIRCH Program. This role supports high‑acuity male adolescents in a long‑term inpatient setting, providing stabilization and skill development over 6–9 months.

Day and overnight shifts are available. You will assist with daily living needs, documentation, safety checks, and teamwork with nursing and clinical staff to maintain a therapeutic milieu.

Qualifications

• 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 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 and patient belongings processing.
• 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) to promote independence.
• Ensure room checks, safety checks and 1:1 monitoring 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

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