Behavioral Health Technician

ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL GROUP • Sevierville, TN

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Autism Program Technician (APT) plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with autism and promoting their well-being while in an engaging and therapeutic milieu setting. Relationships and Contacts Within the organization: Maintains frequent and close working relationships with program staff and facility team members 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 or equivalent
• Minimum of 1 year experience in a behavioral healthcare setting, preferably with clients with autistic behaviors.
• Valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and acceptable driving record.
• Clearance of criminal background, TB test, and any other mandatory state/federal requirements.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Demonstrates knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Demonstrates knowledge about medication side-effects, medication reactions, and what to do should an event occur.
• Demonstrates the ability to administer breathalyzer, UA, and pregnancy test to clients.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize symptoms and distress of clients in treatment.
• Demonstrates the ability to observe, supervise and evaluate clients during meal/snack times and planned activities and off campus outings.
• Demonstrates the ability to support medication self-administration in accordance with licensure guidelines.
• Demonstrates the ability to “actively listen” and use effective communication when dealing with clients.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain the client’s integrity when conducting room searches and/or observations.
• Demonstrates support and follows through with therapeutic recommendations from senior staff.
• Demonstrates the ability to relay pertinent information to treatment team as it affects client care.
• Ensures that the values and cultural beliefs are taken into account when assisting with the treatment of the clients.
• Demonstrates ability to safely transport and manage clients to appointments and community outings.
• Demonstrates the ability to document physical wellness checks and observation monitoring.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Selects appropriate interventions to meet individual client’s needs, actively engages clients in therapeutic activities, prompts completion of ADLs, models positive social interactions, and provides transportation to off-site appointments and activities.
• Modifies approach to client interactions based on client needs, to include recognizing mood changes and treatment progress.
• Documents services provided, incident reports, shift reports, or department reports in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates effective verbal intervention skills in managing escalating residents and involving other staff while adhering to CPI criteria.
• Assists with meal planning and preparation.
• Communicates and adheres to clinical precautions effectively, including visual safety checks; proactively reports safety risks.
• Identifies and recognizes triggers for escalation with each client and utilizes de-escalation techniques, focusing on prevention of crisis.
• Ensures prescribed medications are taken correctly and consistently, including medication administration, monitoring adherence, addressing any concerns or side effects, and collaborating with healthcare providers to optimize medication regimens.
• Coordinates necessary healthcare visits for clients based on their individual needs and ensuring timely access to medical services, in collaboration with nursing.
• Ensures necessary office materials are consistently available for staff use to include monitoring inventory levels, placing orders when needed, and organizing storage efficiently.
• Ensures therapeutic environment, maintaining order, promoting safety, and optimizing the well-being of residents.
• Functions within the guidelines of the facility’s Code of Ethics and in accordance with corporate compliance.
• Conducts chart audits following program policy timelines, as requested.
• Consistently arrives to work on time, rarely missing scheduled shifts, and promptly notifies supervisor when absent.
• Demonstrates an ability to adapt to changes in the facility function, management styles, and facility routines.
• Reads, understands, adheres to, and models all company policy statements on ethics, conduct, and conflict of interests.
• 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 and completes all training within assigned time frames as required by the facility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED