Mental Health Technician

Mental Health Technician – Youth Behavioral Health
Location: River Oak Youth Center, Osceola, MI
Department: Direct Care
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Shift: Overnights 

About Youth Opportunity & River Oak Youth Center

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. River Oak Youth Center in Evart, Michigan serves youth ages 12 to 17 in a trauma‑informed residential environment focused on mental health stabilization and growth. The center offers therapy, expressive arts, social skills training, educational instruction, and peer support.

Youth typically remain 6 to 9 months, participating in individual, family, and group therapy; life skills building; victim‑impact awareness; restorative justice; and pre‑vocational readiness. Small group living units enable a safe setting for healing and preparation for successful reintegration into the community.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting

Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period

Free RX delivery on most medications

Tuition reimbursement and professional development

Robust Employee Assistance Program

Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth

Gain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential care

Work in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environment

Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Key Responsibilities

This direct care position supervises a group of 7-10 youth through activities during waking and non-waking hours. While unobtrusively providing external controls necessary to ensure safety and security, Mental Health Technicians guide and teach youth the internal controls needed to live responsibly when and where external controls are relaxed.

Supervise the activities of a group of youths, maintaining knowledge of the whereabouts of all group members

Comply with procedures on movement, physical security, contraband, head counts, and reporting

Provide a safe, secure environment using group counseling techniques and positive discipline

Represent each youth’s needs and accomplishments to the treatment team

Conduct group problem-solving meetings and daily check-ins with youth

Assist teachers with transferring classroom lessons to living units

Promote and assist with daily activities, ensuring participation and follow-through

Document daily shift activities and complete required reports

Make referrals for special needs or medical evaluation as necessary

Other Duties Include

Participate in training and development activities as required

Report incidents or concerns involving youth or staff relationships

Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required

Two years of college coursework in social or human service field preferred

Experience:

Two years’ experience working with youth preferred

Skills:

Strong verbal skills to communicate effectively with youth

Group counseling and leadership skills

Ability to think independently and distinguish cause from effect

Certification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention required during probationary period

Ability to provide accurate, objective documentation

Physical Demands:

Ability to lift 30 pounds from floor to shoulder height

Extensive walking and standing required

Ability to intervene physically if necessary and participate in physical activities with youth

Ability to transport youth as needed

Free of communicable diseases as defined by the state

Other:

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Must pass state criminal background check requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer