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Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$18.27 - $19/hr

Colonial Behavioral Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician for our new 14,000 square foot center opening in the fall. Colonial Behavioral Health (CBH) is currently recruiting for a ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Behavioral Health Technician Sunrise Detox is a premiere center for drug and alcohol detox. Sunrise promises to give you one of the most comfortable medical detox processes available. We believe in ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Behavioral Health Technician Sunrise Detox is a premiere center for drug and alcohol detox. Sunrise promises to give you one of the most comfortable medical detox processes available. We believe in ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Lake Worth, FL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Behavioral Health Technician Sunrise Detox is a premiere center for drug and alcohol detox. Sunrise promises to give you one of the most comfortable medical detox processes available. We believe in ...

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Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician information

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How much do entry level behavioral health technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level behavioral health technician in the United States is $19.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a behavior technician an entry level job?

A behavior technician is typically an entry-level position in the behavioral health field, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Many roles provide on-the-job training and may require certification such as the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential, but prior experience is usually not necessary.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level Behavioral Health Technicians, and how can they be managed?

Entry level Behavioral Health Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing patients with unpredictable behaviors, maintaining emotional resilience, and adapting to fast-paced environments. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, it's important to communicate effectively and seek support from supervisors and peers when needed. Building strong boundaries, practicing self-care, and participating in ongoing training can help manage stress and improve effectiveness in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician vs Entry Level Mental Health Worker?

AspectEntry Level Behavioral Health TechnicianEntry Level Mental Health Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, residential facilities, community programsCommunity agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Job FocusAssist with patient care, monitor behavior, support treatment plansProvide support, assist with daily activities, help implement treatment

Both roles typically require similar credentials and work in healthcare or community settings. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers and specific responsibilities, with Behavioral Health Technicians often focusing more on direct patient monitoring and support, while Mental Health Workers may have broader community-based roles.

How to get into behavioral health tech?

To become a behavioral health technician, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require a certification such as CPR or first aid. Relevant skills include strong communication, empathy, and the ability to work in a healthcare setting; some employers also prefer prior experience or training in mental health or related fields.

How long does it take to become BHT?

Becoming a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent and obtaining specific training or certification, which can take a few weeks to several months depending on the program. Some states or employers may require additional certifications or on-the-job training before working independently in the role.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry-level behavioral health technician roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week; such high earnings usually require advanced experience, certifications, or specialized skills. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree are rare and often involve sales, entrepreneurship, or skilled trades with significant commissions or bonuses. Most high-paying roles without a degree demand extensive on-the-job training or proven performance.

What does an Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician do?

An Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician assists in the care and treatment of patients with mental health or behavioral issues. They typically support licensed professionals by monitoring patients, documenting behaviors, helping with daily activities, and implementing treatment plans under supervision. Their role is crucial in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment, offering support and encouragement to patients, and helping them develop coping and social skills. This position often serves as a stepping stone for those interested in advancing in the mental health field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic knowledge of mental health principles, and on-the-job training or relevant certification. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and crisis intervention techniques is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help candidates excel in supporting patients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills ensure effective patient care, safety, and contribute to a supportive therapeutic environment.
More about Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health Technician jobs? The most popular types of Behavioral Health Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Behavioral Health Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,900 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
Behavioral Health Technician

$18.27 - $19/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description Colonial Behavioral Health is growing. We are hiring for our new Center for Support and Wellness which will provide compassionate and immediate care to individuals experiencing behavioral health and substance abuse crises. Colonial Behavioral Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician for our new 14,000 square foot center opening in the fall.

Colonial Behavioral Health (CBH) is currently recruiting for a Behavioral Health Technician position for our Crisis Receiving Center. The Crisis Receiving Center operates daily on a 24 hour basis and its function is to serve adults experiencing a mental health crisis by offering assessment, crisis intervention, care coordination, and peer support services. The Behavioral Health Technician provides collaborative behavioral health services, supporting screening, admission, orientation to services, care coordination, and health literacy education on the units.

The Behavioral Health Technician will play an important role at by providing supervision, monitoring, and direct care to individuals served. Duties will include mileiu management for the Crisis Stabilization Service units, supporting clients by providing de-escalation and skills training, collaborating with the treatment team to carry out Individual Service Plans, and supporting individual's recovery goals. This role is also essential to maintain the health, safety, and human rights of individuals while they receiving crisis services through Colonial Behavioral Health.

Job Duties Provides milieu management and oversight of individual behaviors in the Crisis Stabilization service units. Provides support to clients experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness. Provides individual and group training on skill development.

Carries out the Individual Service Plans as outlined by the treatment team. Monitors individuals receiving services and documents observations. Monitors individuals and the service environment for behavioral health safety risks, alerting leadership of safety concerns, changes in medical status, and behavioral escalation.

Utilizes de-escalation skills to create and maintain a calm, therapeutic environment. Assists with the admission and discharge processes, including belongings inventories, paperwork, and other administrative tasks. Work Schedule Hours for this position will include days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays based on program needs.

Qualifications (EEO) Skills and Qualifications Ability to speak effectively before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence. Excellent de-escalation skills. Knowledge of mental illness and substance use disorders.

Knowledge of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Knowledge of human rights in the behavioral health setting. Effective time management skills and the ability to multi-task and maintain appropriate records.

Effective writing skills. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to translate observations into documentation in the electronic health record.

Ability and willingness to work closely with other members of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree with a major course of study in Human Services from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency preferred.

Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician is preferred. Ability to qualify as a Behavioral Health Technician through application to the Virginia Board of Counseling, to include 40 hours of didactic training, within 30 days is required. Valid Driver's License required.

Our compensation package for this position includes: Competitive compensation Virginia Retirement System Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer Colonial Behavioral Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.