Behavioral Health Technician

About the role

Mountain Youth Academy is located in Mountain City, TN, near Johnson City, TN; Boone, NC; Bristol, TN & VA; and Abingdon, VA. MYA is a 120‑bed residential treatment facility that assists in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of behavioral health issues for children and adolescents ages 5–17.

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct care, supervision, and support to patients receiving behavioral health treatment. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and structured environment that promotes emotional regulation, positive behavior, personal growth, and recovery. The BHT collaborates with nurses, therapists, and other members of the treatment team to support each patient’s individualized treatment plan and therapeutic goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care, supervision, and emotional support to children and adolescents in a behavioral health treatment setting.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for all patients.
• Monitor patient behaviors, moods, interactions, and changes in emotional or physical condition.
• Assist patients in emotional regulation, communication, and problem‑solving techniques.
• Assist and participate in therapeutic, recreational, educational, and structured group activities.
• Establish appropriate professional boundaries while building positive, supportive relationships with patients.
• Utilize trauma‑informed care and developmentally appropriate approaches when interacting with children and adolescents.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to escalating behaviors, emotional distress, and potential safety concerns.
• Implement approved crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques in accordance with facility policies and training.
• Maintain continuous patient observation and supervision as assigned, including adherence to observation levels and safety precautions.
• Document patient behaviors, observations, interventions, and significant events accurately and promptly.
• Communicate relevant patient information to nursing staff and other members of the treatment team.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and safe patient care environment.
• Follow all facility policies, procedures, safety protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Protect patient confidentiality and uphold the rights, dignity, and privacy of every patient.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, self‑harm, aggression, or other safety concerns in accordance with facility policies and applicable law.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional education or coursework in psychology, social work, behavioral health, human services, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Previous experience working with children or adolescents preferred.
• Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric care, residential treatment, education, childcare, or a related setting preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges is beneficial.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Ability to recognize behavioral changes and respond appropriately to safety concerns.
• Ability to establish appropriate boundaries and maintain professional relationships.
• Strong observation, documentation, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, treatment plans, and established safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Commitment to maintaining patient safety, confidentiality, and dignity.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced behavioral health environment.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive throughout assigned shifts.
• Ability to stand, walk, and participate in activities with patients for extended periods.
• Ability to respond promptly to behavioral emergencies and patient safety concerns.
• Ability to perform essential job functions, including approved crisis intervention procedures, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to work assigned shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of required background checks and applicable pre‑employment screenings.
• Successful completion of required facility orientation, safety training, and crisis prevention and intervention training.

Pay

• Starting rate: $18–$22 per hour for candidates without prior experience.
• College degrees increase the base rate.
• Increased rates for prior work experience