Behavioral Health Technician

Planned Systems International • Los Fresnos, TX

234d

About The Position

Cognito LLC, a Planned Systems International (PSI) joint venture, is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) at the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos, TX. As a civilian contractor working for Cognito, you will utilize your abilities as a Behavioral Health Technician to provide the safe delivery of high-quality health care to those in ICE custody. The ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) exists within the organizational structure of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Officers, civil service staff and contractors comprise the healthcare professionals working together to provide quality healthcare services. IHSC serves as the medical experts for ICE for detainee health care.

Requirements

• Associates degree in a behavioral science/speciality field.
• American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) certification at level three within 12 months of hire.
• Maintains current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course (BLS) or the American Red Cross CPR/BLS Course.
• Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen. Current physical and immunizations.
• Basic knowledge regarding therapeutic communication and psychiatric recovery and rehabilitation skills.
• Ability to conduct clinical mental health screenings.
• Ability to facilitate skill building exercises, patient safety and wellness processing groups.
• Ability to coordinate instructional recreational activities.
• Ability to communicate with cultural awareness and respond to the unique needs of members of diverse populations.
• Ability to navigate electronic health records, web-based training and communications.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and take direction in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of regulations (HIPAA/Privacy Act) regarding the confidentiality of patient health records and information.
• Moderate proficiency in common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Strong oral/written communication skills.
• Active listening skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills.
• Integrity/honesty.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness.
• Spanish-speaking candidates are preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive mental health screenings, patient care management and facilitates basic psycho-educational groups.
• Augments on-site behavioral services to include patient education, segregation wellness checks, sleep checks, behavioral observations, and compliance coaching for medical and mental health patients.
• Consults with Behavioral Health Provider (BHP) to monitor patient compliance, promote safety and patient engagement within an integrated and therapeutic care milieu.
• Schedules appointments, completes medical records documentation in electronic Health Records (eHR) and coordinates follow up care for mental health patients under the direction of the BHP.
• Maintains a basic knowledge of behavioral health interventions including psychotropic medications and awareness of side effects and potential impact on patient functioning.
• Facilitates basic therapeutic and psycho-education groups and provides direct individual patient education, care and treatment.
• Assists in the development of specific behavioral treatment interventions such as coping skills, anger management, and other self-regulating behavior activities.
• Gathers patient care information through frequent contacts to assist behavioral health and medical providers with diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management.
• Documents clinical observations of a patient's behavior including mood, affect, mental sharpness, sleeping patterns, eating habits and overall functioning and any changes observed.
• Performs medical housing unit and special needs monitoring and wellness checks.
• Conducts crisis management in emergent situations through sound judgement and team collaboration according to standardized facility procedures and IHSC policy.
• Conducts program schedule management to include: group schedules, telehealth appointments, and individual check-ins.
• Chaperones and obtains/records vital signs for Tele-Behavioral Health or any other clinical appointment.
• Continues professional development through in-service education, workshops, conferences and self-study necessary to maintain current knowledge applicable to the position.
• Adheres to UHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards.
• Maintains proficiency and accurately utilizes the IHSC electronic health records.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave.
• Options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance.
• Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses.
• Company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution match that is immediately vested.
• Investment in the professional growth of employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees