Behavioral Health Technician
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supervises and provides a safe, therapeutic environment for children and adolescents admitted to RiverValley Behavioral Health Hospital. The Acute Care Program serves patients ages 4–17 who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric challenges and provides individualized, trauma-informed care to help them build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and thrive at home, in school, and in the community. BHTs support each patient’s physical, psychological, spiritual, and social well-being through therapeutic interactions guided by person-centered treatment plans. They may provide one-to-one instruction using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, based on individualized intervention plans developed by the treatment team for children diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional or behavioral disorders. The role helps patients develop skills and work toward a healthier quality of life.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Strong communication, observation, and teamwork skills.
- Organizational, planning, and group facilitation skills.
- Ability to engage youth positively.
- Ability to remain calm and supportive in high-stress situations.
- Basic knowledge of child and adolescent development.
Nice To Haves
- Valid driver’s license.
- One year of direct care experience in a similar facility.
Responsibilities
- Assess mood and behavior changes and take appropriate action, including modifying behavior or alerting clinical staff.
- Use de-escalation techniques to defuse challenging situations.
- Serve as a consistent role model for patients.
- Work 12-hour rotating shifts, including every other weekend.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information.
- Communicate patient status effectively to nursing and leadership teams.
- Provide one-to-one and group instruction in communication, activities of daily living (ADLs), behavior, social skills, and academics as outlined by the treatment team.
- Collaborate daily with the Senior Behavior Analyst (SBA) regarding questions, concerns, or suggestions.
- Support skill development aligned with each patient’s individualized treatment plan.
- Assist with new admissions and room searches in coordination with nursing staff while maintaining patient rights.
- Support patient ADLs, including bathing, grooming, and room maintenance.
- Document observations and progress according to policy and report key information to nursing staff.
- Plan and implement structured activities in coordination with Recreation Therapy staff.
- Maintain current certifications, TB testing, and Safe Crisis Management.
- Comply with infection control procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.
- Model the mission and values of RiverValley Behavioral Health.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and Telehealth benefits.
- Paid time off and nine holidays.
- Retirement plan options.
- Tuition reimbursement and free continuing education units (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
