Behavioral Health Direct Care Technician - Full-Time
Listed compensation
$16.82/hr
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Weekend work is also flagged as required; confirm which days and how often.
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Lead with Purpose. Empower with Compassion
Voted Raleigh’s Best Nonprofit Organization and Raleigh’s Best Mental Health Services three years in a row!
Position Snapshot
Location: Washington, NC
Schedule: Monday - Friday 4pm - 12am | Including every other weekend
Pay: $16.82 Hour
Work Setting: On site
Type: Full-time
Make an Impact With Us
As a Full-Time Behavioral Health Direct Care Technician at our Facility Based Crisis Center in Washington, NC, we help our team members embrace their potential, build resilience, and thrive! You will benefit from ongoing professional growth and development as you work alongside leaders of clinical excellence in mental health and substance use services that care about your success. Join a team where your compassion becomes someone's turning point.
What You'll Do
- Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment while providing client support, encouragement, and motivation.
- Facilitate psychoeducational groups, therapeutic activities, and leisure/recreational programming.
- Transport clients to program activities and appointments as needed.
- Assist with admissions, referrals, documentation, and coordination with community agencies and treatment teams.
- Support discharge planning, aftercare arrangements, and housing resources.
- Administer medications (when certified), monitor vital signs, respond to emergencies, and maintain accurate client records.
What You'll Bring
- Entry-level, on-the-job training is provided
- High school diploma or GED is required
- Peer support certification or CNA certification a plus, but is not required
- Maintain valid state appropriate driver’s license and auto insurance for personal and agency vehicles utilized for work with no restrictions.
Why Join Easterseals PORT Health?
Easterseals PORT Health is a trusted and compassionate organization providing disability, mental health, and substance use services across North Carolina and Virginia. Purpose, dedication, and empathy guide the way we support our neighbors and one another.
For benefits-eligible positions, our total rewards package may include:
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
- Life and Disability Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan.
- Employee Assistance Program and legal services support
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer
- Professional development and training opportunities, including AHEC where applicable
About Easterseals PORT Health
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy and compassionate partner, providing exceptional services in disability, mental health, and substance use to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication, and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery.
Our 2,800-member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults, and families in 11,000 home, facility, and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.
Easterseals PORT Health is an Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self, and Learning and Growing.
Applicants of all abilities are encouraged to apply! Need assistance with the application process or an accommodation? Contact recruiter@eastersealsPORT.com.
Learn More About the Program
eastersealsport.com
Key Responsibilities
The technician maintains a safe, therapeutic environment while providing client support, motivation, and facilitating psychoeducational groups. They also assist with admissions, documentation, medication administration, and coordination of discharge planning.
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license with auto insurance. Entry-level training is provided, though peer support or CNA certifications are considered a plus.
Key Skills
Healthcare Support Career Context
The cost-of-living index for North Carolina is 94.3 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$35k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $37k in an average-cost state. 59.2% of North Carolina clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Healthcare Support pay on WeekdayDoc is down 14.3% vs. the prior quarter (through Oct 2026).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $35k | Healthcare Support median $44k (middle half $42k–$50k)102 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$37k in purchasing power | North Carolina index 94.3 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Healthcare Support listings in North Carolina | 77 active | 2,077 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Healthcare Support pay trend | −14.3% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Work-life snapshot
Listing-based score
- Includes weekends
Benefits & Perks
24 more from Easterseals PORT Health
- Behavioral Health Direct Care Technician · 3 locations$17/hr
- Behavioral Health Direct Care Technician - Full-Time · Aberdeen, North Carolina$15/hr
- Behavioral Health Direct Care Technician - Part-Time · Greenville, North Carolina$17/hr
Living in Washington
- Typical 3-bedroom home value
- $250k
- Typical market rent
- $1,285/mo
- Residents’ average commute
- 20 min
- State income tax
- Up to 4.8%
Sources & methodology
Sources: Zillow home values (Sep 2026), Zillow market rents (Sep 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.
City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.