Autism Program Technician

ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL GROUP•Sevierville, TN

About The Position

The Autism Program Technician works with individuals who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, a brain disorder that can lead to issues with social interaction and repetitive behaviors as well as verbal and nonverbal communication. The Autism Program Technician is responsible for managing the daily milieu of the facility, ensuring the safety of residents, and maintaining a therapeutic environment. The Autism Program Technician is expected to be familiar with needs of the residents and be capable of identifying cues and behaviors that may indicate a change in residents status or condition. The Autism Program Technician is responsible for documenting in the resident record, communicating with nurses, psychotherapists and physicians and being available to assist the residents families or guardians with their needs. Position oversees the health and welfare of a variety of farm animals and is responsible for the daily care of animals including feeding, turn out, preparation and assistance with animals during animal assisted therapy sessions, grooming, cleaning of stalls, aisles, water troughs, and administering medications. Relationships and Contacts Within the organization: Initiates and maintains strong professional relationships with peers, immediate supervisor, and leadership throughout the organization. Outside the organization: Initiates and maintains strong professional relationships with clients and families, clinical providers, referral partners and vendors, as needed.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Preferably has experience in a psychiatric hospital setting as a mental health or behavioral assistant working with adults.
Requires valid State Drivers License and current CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively participates and engages residents in the milieu and outside activities throughout the work day, often in a variety of group settings.
Collaborates with clinical team to determine/select appropriate interventions based on the needs of individual residents.
Prompts residents to complete ADLs, including clean room, hygiene, laundry, etc., and completes regular room hygiene checks.
Prompts residents to attend all meals and activities in a timely manner, and provides supervision and structure at meal times, as appropriate.
Models effective table manners and small talk during meal times, focusing on engaging all residents.
Provides, structures, and maintains a therapeutic environment in collaboration with other staff.
Therapeutically interacts with residents in one-to-one situations, community, and group meetings, maintaining appropriate boundaries and modeling appropriate social behavior.
Reacts therapeutically in crisis situations.
Recognizes residents level of psychosocial development and modifies approaches accordingly to include recognizing mood changes and developing coping skills.
Maintains therapeutic relationships with residents using praise and other reinforcers to encourage appropriate behaviors and attitudes, setting limits in a kind and firm manner.
Documents in accordance with policies and procedures services provided, incident reports, shift reports, or department reports in a timely and accurate manner.
Identifies and recognizes triggers for escalation with each resident, and utilize de-escalation techniques, focusing on prevention of crisis.
Demonstrates effective verbal intervention skills in managing escalating residents and involving other staff as needed, adhering to CPI criteria.
Performs a vehicle safety and fuel check prior to use of any company vehicle, reporting any concerns to supervisor or manager.
Supports residents in effectively managing leisure time, including joining in activities with residents.
Follows through with clinical precautions effectively, including Q15s and visuals.
Answer phone and field calls in an upbeat and positive manner, focusing on customer service.
Transport residents to appointments, supporting resident while regulating in community.
Supports medication compliance and management by prompting residents to go to nursing for medications.
Prepares for residents admission to all levels of care including but not limited to ensuring room is prepared, preparing money envelopes, snack bin, and labels for inventory process.
Conducts resident belonging search and inventory & notifying therapist of any contraband.
Ensures all medications are obtained upon admission and provided to nursing.
Assists clinical staff at stables as needed, with animal assisted therapy sessions, including grooming, family therapy, or extra sessions, with an emphasis on safety for residents and animals.
Assists in socializing and handling of all animals.
Reads, understands, and adheres to all company policy statements on ethics, conduct, and conflict of interests.
Welcomes all guests warmly and friendly.
Complies with the facility safety procedures as outlined in the policy and procedure manual.
Assumes assigned role in fire drills, evacuation procedures, and internal/external disaster plan.
Adheres to facility policies, procedures, rules and regulations, implementing regularly.
Maintains positive attitude and acts as a team player with others on the treatment team.
Attends/completes all trainings within assigned time frames.
Other duties as assigned.