Behavioral Health Technician

Location: Linville, North Carolina | Full-Time | Nights, 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Behavioral Health Technician at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll work under the direction of licensed nurses to deliver safe, competent, compassionate care to clients in our behavioral health program. You'll be part of a mission-driven health system committed to patient safety, quality outcomes, teamwork, and professional growth.

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Boone offers the perfect blend of community, culture, and outdoor adventure.

• Compensation: Starting at $18.05 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, retirement with match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts.

What You'll Do as a Behavioral Health Technician

• Perform all job functions under the direction of a licensed nurse, assisting in the delivery of care by carrying out assigned duties.
• Maintain accountability and responsibility for delivering safe and competent care.
• Handle decisions and actions with clients in an ethical manner, practicing compassion and respect for each person's dignity and worth.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers.
• Support top-tier outcomes for patient experience, quality, and safety.
• Adhere to UNC Health Appalachian policies, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior.
• Approach work with a bias for action, efficiency, and personal accountability.
• Foster professional, productive working relationships that promote a healthy work environment.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED.
• Experience:
  • Previous experience as a CNA preferred.
• Licensure/Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.
  • Current certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant in North Carolina preferred.
  • Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) training and certification required; completed as part of training/orientation.
  • Adult Mental Health First Aid certification required; completed as part of training/orientation.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of and ability to work within the scope of the Behavioral Health Tech role as a dependent provider, taking direction from licensed personnel.
  • Strong communication skills; ability to work within the chain of command using positive verbal and non-verbal techniques.
  • Competence in delivering safe, effective patient care within the limits of certification and hospital policy.
  • Knowledge of the continuum of care provided.
  • Exceptional customer service for patients, families, staff, and physicians.
  • Computer skills, including data entry and use of the EMR.

Physical & Work Environment

• Continuous standing and walking, often 8+ hours per shift; frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull 50+ lbs; frequently mobilize patients; manual dexterity and mobility required.
• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition; near visual acuity and close eye work; speaking, reading, and writing for extended periods.
• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and hazards from electrical/mechanical equipment.
• Possible exposure to ionizing/nonionizing radiation (including x-ray and microwave).
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies.

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Structured advancement pathways, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing development through our Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful Work: As a Behavioral Health Technician, you'll provide compassionate, hands-on support to clients across our behavioral health services, working alongside licensed nurses to deliver safe, quality care.
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone ranks among the best small towns in America, offering outdoor recreation, arts, culture, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and supported.

Ready to make a difference in behavioral health care? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and make a lasting impact on our community.

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian is dedicated to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliate of the University of North Carolina system, with 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics plus the UNC School of Medicine’s clinical programs. UNC Health is committed to improving the health of North Carolinians and supports the university’s teaching mission. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided over $400 million in uncompensated or charity care. For more information, visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to a fair, respectful hiring process. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.