VitalCore Health Strategies logo
VitalCore Health Strategies
Pearl, Mississippi

Behavioral Health Activity Technician

HealthcareFull-Time

Listed compensation

$20-$21/hr

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 17m ago · Verified live

Job Description

Join the VitalCore Team in Mississippi! We're people who are fueled by passion, not by profit.

VitalCore Health Strategies, (VCHS), an industry leader in correctional healthcare, has openings for a Full Time Behavioral Health Activity Technician at Central MS Correctional Facility in Pearl, Mississippi!

Looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare field with competitive wages, an annual incentive bonus, and an excellent benefits package?

At VitalCore we pride ourselves on retaining and acquiring compassionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to providing quality services. Join our team and experience first-hand how VitalCore Health Strategies promotes a positive work environment that is based on respect and appreciation of the hard work and dedication of our staff.

Behavioral Health Activity Technician Position Summary

To perform this job successfully, the Behavioral Health Activity Technician must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and provided routine care for behaviorally impaired and emotionally disturbed patients under the direction of licensed behavioral health staff and provide purposeful, goal-oriented activities that teach and facilitate skills in assertiveness, independent living, interpersonal and social skills, and promoting individualized interest and pursuits. This position requires creativity and adaptability while leading groups of offenders.

Behavioral Health Activity Technician Essential Functions

  • Leads, instructs and encourages inmate patients in a program of individual and group activities of a physical, social, and cultural nature.
  • Work with the behavioral health team to plan treatment goals for specific patients.
  • Assist in coordinating recreation therapy with other therapeutic programs.
  • Observe patients’ reactions and progress.
  • Record clinical notes to be included in medical files and prepare reports.
  • Regular monitoring of inmates' program involvement.
  • Notify Behavioral Health/Clinical Director in a timely manner of inmate problems requiring attention.
  • Attends training and meetings as required.
  • Other duties, as assigned.

Behavioral Health Activity Technician Minimum Requirements

  • CNA or CMA Certified preferred or Two (2) years of experience in Therapeutic Recreation or related field providing activities programming for persons who have a serious mental illness.
  • Experience working in a correctional mental health setting preferred.
  • Associates or Bachelors degree in related field preferred (Art, Art therapy, Mental Health etc)
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation and obtain agency security clearance where applicable.

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.

Key Responsibilities

The Behavioral Health Activity Technician provides routine care for behaviorally impaired patients and facilitates goal-oriented activities to teach independent living and social skills. They also collaborate with the behavioral health team to plan treatment goals, monitor patient progress, and maintain clinical documentation.

Requirements

Candidates should have a CNA or CMA certification or two years of experience in therapeutic recreation or a related mental health field. An associate or bachelor's degree in a related field such as art therapy or mental health is preferred, along with the ability to pass a background check.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Group facilitationPatient monitoringTreatment planningMental health supportAssertiveness trainingIndependent living skillsInterpersonal skillsSocial skills trainingCrisis intervention

Healthcare Professional Career Context

healthcare pay on WeekdayDoc is up 13.0% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Mississippi is 87.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$43k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $49k in an average-cost state. 61.9% of Mississippi clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Work-life snapshot

1.5/ 10
Listing-based score

Living in Pearl

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$202k
Typical market rent
$1,524/mo
Residents’ average commute
24 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
89.0
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Jackson, MS metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

VitalCore Health Strategies logo

About VitalCore Health Strategies

Hospitals and Health Care
Topeka, Kansas
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Competitive Wages
Annual Incentive Bonus
Excellent Benefits Package