Eating Recovery Center·Northbrook, Illinois
The Behavioral Health Technician provides direct care, supervision, and support for inpatient and residential patients. Key duties include milieu management, monitoring meals and bathrooms, and assisting with activities of daily living.
At ERC Pathlight, we’re on a mission to change lives—and we’re looking for people who feel called to do the same. As one of the nation’s leading treatment providers for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, we bring innovative, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate care to patients across the country. With multiple locations nationwide and extensive virtual programming, we meet patients exactly where they are and help them move toward lasting recovery. Founded in 2008 by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists, ERC Pathlight now supports more than 6,000 patients each year. And as the need for world-class mental health care continues to rise, our commitment is stronger than ever: to expand access, elevate the standard of care, and empower every patient to rebuild their life with dignity and hope. Why Join Us When you join ERC Pathlight, you become part of a team that shows up every day to make a real difference. You’ll work alongside passionate clinicians, dedicated support staff, and mission-driven leaders who believe in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing—always. Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter. You matter. If you’re energized by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to help transform the future of mental health treatment, you belong here. Come build hope. Come save lives. Come grow with us. What you’ll be doing: The Behavioral Health Technician works under the supervision of the nursing department and is responsible for the direct care of inpatient and residential patients by providing patient supervision and support. The BHT provides support, structure and boundaries. They provide bathroom and mealtime support as well as contribute to the implementation of therapeutic programming. The BHT may be required to participate in on-call shifts based on business needs, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws. Essential duties and responsibilities: Milieu management, including the following: Maintains daily program structure, by following program schedule Completes observation rounds and safety checks as ordered by physician Works with patients on de-escalation and implementing coping skills per treatment plan Conducts room searches and luggage searches Takes patients out on fresh air breaks Provides patient transportation as needed for medical appointments (may vary by location and program) Takes patient vital signs, weights, urine Specific Gravity (may vary by location and program) Act as secondary support staff in group therapy (may vary by location and program) Provides meal support and bathroom monitoring Completes documentation of patient observations, meals and individual check-ins that occur during shift Assists with morning routine and Activities of Daily Living while patients are in spa/bathroom BHT I must haves: High school diploma or GED (required) Valid driver’s license with safe driving record (this requirement is only for locations that have company vehicles or locations that drive on behalf of the company) 6 months of direct patient care experience (preferred) Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA (preferred) BHT II must haves: High school diploma or GED (required) New hires: 1 year of direct patient care experience (required) Valid driver’s license with safe driving record (this requirement is only for locations that have company vehicles or locations that drive on behalf of the company) Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA (preferred) Minimum of 1 year of ERC milieu experience (required, for internal teammates only) #ERC The compensation range for this position is based upon candidate experience and market expectations. Illinois Pay Range $18.25—$22 USD
At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life. We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off; Parental Leave benefits; Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career. We also recognize that mental health is part of every person’s experience. That’s why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged—personally, professionally, and at home. When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and may need a valid driver's license. Depending on the level (BHT I or II), 6 months to 1 year of direct patient care experience is preferred or required.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.
