Behavioral Health Technician - BIRCH Program
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) in the BIRCH Program at RiverValley Behavioral Health Children’s Hospital supports adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral needs in a long-term inpatient setting. BIRCH is a specialized, high-acuity program for male adolescents ages 12–17, providing structured stabilization and intensive skill development over 6 to 9 months, often for patients who have not succeeded in less intensive settings. The program was developed in partnership with and funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services. The BHT helps maintain a safe, structured, trauma-informed therapeutic environment; reinforces pro-social behaviors and coping strategies; and supports patients in following individualized treatment plans. Day and overnight shift options are available. The position is full-time, based in Owensboro, Kentucky, with occasional travel.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Understanding of child development, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic boundaries.
- Strong verbal communication, documentation, and crisis response skills.
- Ability to remain calm and supportive in stressful situations.
- Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Nice To Haves
- College coursework in psychology, education, or a related field.
- One year of experience working with youth in behavioral health, residential, or juvenile justice settings.
- Valid driver's license.
- Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and behavioral interventions is strongly 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 individualized treatment plans, including coaching patients on coping skills, de-escalation, and behavior regulation.
- Assist with admission and orientation procedures, including contraband searches, processing patient belongings, and supporting 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, such as hygiene, meals, and cleaning, in a manner that promotes independence.
- Conduct room checks and safety checks and provide consistent monitoring at a 1:1 ratio to maintain a therapeutic milieu.
- Collaborate with nursing, clinical, and administrative staff to coordinate care and address safety concerns.
- Participate in team meetings, staff development, and supervision as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, and Telehealth.
- Paid time off and 9 holidays.
- Retirement plan options.
- Tuition reimbursement and free CEUs.
- Clinical supervision.
- Wellness and employee assistance programs.
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-eligible employer.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
