Behavioral Health Technician
Listed compensation
$17-$21/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting and time off.
Job Description
Job Details:
Job Location: USE FOR ALL OWENSBORO REQUISITIONS - Owensboro, KY, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School/GED, Salary Range: $17.00 - $21.00Hourly, Travel Percentage: Occasional, Job Shift: Night, Job Summary: Day, 2nd, and Night Shift options available The Acute Care Program serves children and adolescents ages 4–17 who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric challenges.
Every child receives individualized, trauma-informed care designed to help them build coping skills, strengthen resilience, and thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) supervises and provides a safe and therapeutic environment for children and adolescents admitted to RVBH Hospital.
They may provide 1:1 instruction utilizing the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) based upon an individualized intervention plans developed by the treatment team for children diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders.
BHTs support each patient’s physical, psychological, spiritual, and social well-being through therapeutic interactions guided by person-centered treatment plans and help them work toward achieving a healthier quality of life.
Essential Functions: Assess mood and behavior changes and take appropriate action, including modifying behavior or alerting clinical staff. Utilize de-escalation techniques to defuse challenging situations. Serve as a consistent role model for all patients. Work 12-hour rotating shifts, including every other weekend.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information. Effectively communicate patient status to nursing and leadership teams. Provide 1:1 and group instruction in communication, ADLs, behavior, social skills, and academics as outlined by the treatment team.
Collaborate with the Senior Behavior Analyst (SBA) daily 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 all infection control procedures and PPE guidelines. Model the mission and values of RiverValley Behavioral Health. 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.
Valid driver’s license preferred. One (1) year of direct care experience in a similar facility preferred. Knowledge and Skills: 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.
Key Responsibilities
The Behavioral Health Technician supervises and provides a safe, therapeutic environment for children and adolescents in an acute care setting. They implement individualized treatment plans, provide 1:1 instruction, and assist with daily living activities while documenting patient progress.
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and the ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts including weekends. One year of direct care experience in a similar facility is preferred, along with strong communication and de-escalation skills.
Key Skills
Behavioral Health Career Context
Of the 40 active Behavioral Health listings this role was benchmarked against, 68% have no call, 45% require no weekends.
Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is up 8.1% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
The cost-of-living index for Kentucky is 90.2 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$40k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $44k in an average-cost state. 61.6% of Kentucky clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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