Behavioral Health Technician

JV SERENITY MASS LLC•Haverhill, VT

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) assists the Facility Director and treatment program staff with the facility’s day-to-day operational needs and patient support. The role includes scheduled monitoring and reporting on facility conditions to help maintain safe and orderly operations. BHTs may assist with intake procedures, including collecting information when patients arrive, conducting searches and rounds, supporting patient safety during treatment, and helping treatment teams oversee patients’ daily schedules in accordance with facility policies and applicable state and federal regulations. Depending on driving eligibility and assigned duties, some BHTs may transport patients while following vehicle and passenger safety requirements. The position also involves supporting patients with substance use or other addictive behaviors. The job description outlines competencies that the staff complement collectively should possess, including gathering information, screening for substance-related and other safety concerns, contributing to treatment recommendations and goals, following ethical standards, and pursuing continuing professional development. It notes that not every individual staff member is required to possess all of these competencies.

Requirements

Maintain current required certifications, including CPR, verbal de-escalation, HIPAA, HIV/AIDS, incident reporting, infection control, overdose prevention, and self-administration of medications when applicable.
Complete CLIA-waived training and follow procedures for collecting and conducting applicable tests, including urine drug screens, breathalyzer tests, glucometer tests, and pregnancy tests.
Demonstrate teamwork, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Work under stressful conditions and remain flexible in response to department needs.
Knowledge of TJC standards within the department.
Demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written communication.
Knowledge of state and federal patient confidentiality statutes.
Understand and follow Drug Free Workplace policies.
Complete harassment and discrimination training.
Knowledge of the Corporate Integrity and Compliance Program.
Knowledge of current technology.
Knowledge of Substance Use Disorder and ability to score above 70% on SUD training.
Familiarity with community resources or knowledge of whom in the facility to contact regarding community resources.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience in customer service, a hospital, or a treatment program setting.
For drivers: at least five years of driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and a clear driving record approved by the insurance carrier.
Complete TB testing upon hire.
Provide background consent and results prior to hire.
Complete training or certifications in CPR, HIPAA, HIV/AIDS, verbal de-escalation, incident reporting, infection/STD risks, HEP B/C, abuse, neglect, trauma and exploitation, understanding SUD, and other training required by the State or Joint Commission.

Nice To Haves

Experience in chemical dependency, substance abuse, psychiatric, or human services settings.

Responsibilities

Assist with supervising patients during daily activities and help ensure they follow the clinical schedule; communicate issues to the treatment team.
Transport clients when applicable, following applicable driving rules and safety procedures, completing vehicle and client safety checklists, and securing afternoon medications during transport.
Conduct regular rounds of the facility, patient rooms, and grounds to support overall safety.
Observe and document medications taken by clients during scheduled medication times.
Look for contraband and immediately report suspicions or findings to a supervisor.
Help uphold facility rules and patient rights.
Communicate or resolve housekeeping and building or grounds upkeep issues.
Prepare rooms and common areas for client admissions and discharges.
Foster a supportive environment consistent with ethical treatment.
Seek corrective feedback and evaluate suggestions objectively.
Follow assigned work schedules and maintain acceptable attendance.
Promote a positive, team-oriented work atmosphere.
Complete required training and attend assigned in-services and educational training.
Adapt to expected and unexpected changes in the work environment.
Report suspected contagious illnesses, personal or within the facility, to the Facility Director.
Maintain the safety of the physical environment.
Communicate grievances, incidents, suspected abuse, neglect, trauma or exploitation, safety issues, and breaches to a supervisor.
Solve problems independently and follow through; function independently in a treatment program environment.
Perform other assigned tasks and duties.
As part of the collective staff competencies described, establish rapport, gather data, assess readiness for treatment and change, and apply accepted criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders.
As part of the collective staff competencies described, screen for substance toxicity, intoxication, withdrawal, danger to self or others when applicable, and co-occurring mental health issues.
As part of the collective staff competencies described, interpret data to determine treatment recommendations and priorities and work with individuals to establish mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objectives.
As part of the collective staff competencies described, adhere to accepted ethical and behavioral standards and participate in continuing professional development.