Behavioral Health Technician Day Shifts

The Emily Program • Durham, NC

8d • $18 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician I provides direct care and support to individuals receiving treatment for eating disorders, working with a multidisciplinary team to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment. This entry-level position is intended for people interested in mental health and supporting clients’ recovery. The role is based at the RTP Inpatient and Residential Treatment Center for Children, Adolescents, and Adults in Durham, North Carolina.

This is a full-time 0.8 FTE schedule of 32 hours per week, four days per week, focused on day shifts from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weekend rotations and holiday coverage are required. Starting hourly compensation is $18.00–$21.00, with the final offer determined by qualifications and experience.

Technicians support clients with daily activities, meals, self-care, therapeutic and recreational activities, and transportation to medical appointments as needed. They observe and document client behavior, physical health, progress, and incidents; communicate concerns to appropriate team members; follow safety and crisis-response procedures; and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. The role also includes facilitating therapeutic activity groups, participating in supervision and required training, and following facility policies and regulatory requirements.

For full-time employees, benefits include health insurance options, dental and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, company-paid life insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, paid time off, seven paid holidays, and one floating holiday.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At residential or inpatient sites, a valid driver’s license and authorization to drive.
• At residential or inpatient sites, current Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
• At residential or inpatient sites, current First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.
• At residential or inpatient sites in North Carolina or Georgia, current CPI certification within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree with at least two years of healthcare experience in a similar position or related field, such as paraprofessional, mental health technician, behavior specialist, or recovery coach.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Relevant certification or licensure.
• Six or more months of direct client care or milieu experience in a mental/behavioral health or healthcare setting, particularly with eating disorders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical standards to create a safe, respectful environment for clients.
• Provide compassionate support with daily activities, mealtimes and snacks, and maintaining a structured therapeutic environment.
• Collaborate with therapists, dietitians, nurses, psychiatrists, and other multidisciplinary team members to support client recovery.
• Monitor client behavior and physical health, document observations, and report concerns or changes in condition to the appropriate internal resource.
• Follow safety protocols, respond to crises as needed, and use de-escalation techniques.
• Assist clients with activities of daily living and self-care, including dressing and personal hygiene.
• Encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative behaviors to help clients improve their skills.
• Engage clients in recreational or social activities and reinforce therapeutic modalities.
• Complete clinical documentation and maintain timely, accurate records of patient interactions, progress notes, and incidents in accordance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate therapeutic activity groups, which may include art, music, journaling, mindfulness, relaxation, and games.
• Participate in scheduled supervision and seek supervision when needed.
• Provide transportation for clients to medical appointments as needed.
• Consume therapeutic meals and snacks with clients and/or families while on shift to model normalized eating behavior, following the specified meal-plating requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of current and former clients’ protected health information and employee personal information, as well as proprietary company information.
• Follow facility policies and procedures, including those concerning patient confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional boundaries.
• Complete assigned mandatory training and perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• HSA and PPO insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with HSA or FSA options.
• Dental insurance through Delta Dental.
• Vision insurance through EyeMed.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• 401(k) plan available two months after start date.
• Company 401(k) matching up to 50% of the employee’s contribution, up to 6% of compensation.
• Paid time off that accrues annually and begins with the first whole pay period.
• Seven paid holidays and one floating holiday, in addition to regular PTO.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED