Behavioral Health Technician Day Shifts

The Emily Program • Durham, NC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician I provides direct care and support to individuals receiving eating-disorder treatment, working with a multidisciplinary team to maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment. This entry-level role supports clients’ recovery through assistance with daily activities and self-care, mealtime and snack monitoring, therapeutic activities, and observation of behavior and physical health. The technician documents client interactions and progress, reports concerns, follows safety and confidentiality requirements, and uses de-escalation techniques when needed.

The role is based at the RTP Inpatient and Residential Treatment Center for children, adolescents, and adults in Durham, North Carolina. The schedule is full-time at 0.8 FTE (32 hours per week), four days per week, on day shifts from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weekend rotations and holiday coverage are required. Starting compensation is $18.00–$21.00 per hour, with the final offer depending on qualifications and experience.

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 ethical standards, creating a safe and respectful environment for client interactions.
• Provide compassionate support with daily activities and self-care, including dressing and personal hygiene.
• Monitor client mealtimes and snacks, and consume therapeutic meals with clients or families to model normalized eating behavior, following meal-plating requirements.
• Help create a structured therapeutic environment in accordance with company best practices.
• 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.
• Encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative behaviors to help clients improve their skills.
• Provide recreational and social activities and reinforce therapeutic modalities.
• Complete clinical documentation, including timely and accurate records of client interactions, progress notes, and incidents, in accordance with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Facilitate therapeutic activity groups, which may include art, music, journaling, mindfulness, relaxation, or games.
• Participate in scheduled supervision and seek supervision when needed.
• Transport clients to medical appointments as needed.
• Protect the confidentiality of current and former clients’ health information, employee personal information, and proprietary company information.
• Follow facility policies and procedures, including those regarding confidentiality, ethics, and professional boundaries.
• Complete assigned mandatory training.
• 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 of up to 50% of the employee’s contribution, up to 6% of compensation.
• Accruing paid time off beginning 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