Behavioral Health Technician - Hospital (2nd Shift)

Behavioral Health TechIncludes callIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$17-$21/hr

The week, per this posting

Ask the employer about the work setting, nights and shift pattern and benefits.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Includes call
Weekends
Includes weekends
Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Owensboro, KY 42301Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High School/GEDSalary Range: $17.00 - $21.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: OccasionalJob Shift: 2ndJob Summary: 2nd Shift ( 3:00pm-11:00pm) 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.

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.

Preferred experience or training in ABA and working with individuals diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities or emotional/behavioral disorders. 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. Basic Understanding of behavior intervention plans and ABA strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise children and adolescents in a therapeutic hospital environment to ensure safety and well-being. Provide 1:1 instruction using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and support patients' daily living activities.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required, with a preference for one year of direct care experience. Candidates should have knowledge of ABA strategies and child/adolescent development.

Key Skills

Patient SupervisionBehavioral InterventionCommunication SkillsObservation SkillsPatient Documentation

Psychiatry Career Context

Of the 40 active Psychiatry listings this role was benchmarked against, 48% have no call, 50% require no weekends.

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).

Top Behavioral Health Tech Jobs

26 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution26 jobs · 16 employers

3
$40k
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$40k-45k
10
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2
$52k
2
$59k

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution26 jobs · 16 employers

0
1-2
0
3-4
1
5-6
25
7-8
0
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

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$26.91-$28.58/hr
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$26.91-$28.58/hr
#3

Behavioral Health Technician - Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (83704)

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Work-life snapshot

median 5.1this job 3.0
Better work-life than 20% of Psychiatry (Behavioral Health Tech) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 169 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes call
  • Includes weekends

Living in Owensboro

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$215k
Typical market rent
$1,212/mo
Residents’ average commute
17 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
88.6
State income tax
Up to 4.5%
Sources & methodology

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

BEA 2024 · Owensboro, KY metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

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