Behavioral Health Technician (PRN)

Planned Systems International•Taylor, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Cognito LLC, a Planned Systems International (PSI) joint venture, is seeking a PRN Behavioral Health Technician to support the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) at the T. Don Hutto Detention Center in Taylor, Texas. The role supports the safe delivery of high-quality health care to people in ICE custody. IHSC provides medical expertise and detainee health care within ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the Department of Homeland Security. Under the clinical direction of a licensed Behavioral Health Provider, the Behavioral Health Technician supports mental health screenings, patient care management, education, basic psycho-educational groups, wellness checks, behavioral observations, and patient safety. The technician monitors patient engagement and compliance, documents observations in electronic health records, schedules appointments, and coordinates follow-up care. The role is PRN and performed on an as-needed basis, including coverage for staff absences, high census periods, or special projects; hours and shifts vary.

Requirements

Associate degree in a behavioral science or specialty field.
Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
AAPT Level III certification within 12 months of hire.
Current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support course or the American Red Cross CPR/BLS course.
Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.
Current physical and immunizations.
Basic knowledge of therapeutic communication, psychiatric recovery, and rehabilitation skills.
Ability to conduct clinical mental health screenings and facilitate skill-building exercises, patient safety groups, and wellness processing groups.
Ability to coordinate instructional recreational activities.
Ability to communicate with cultural awareness and respond to the needs of diverse populations.
Ability to navigate electronic health records, web-based training, and communications.
Proficient verbal and written English communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and take direction in a multidisciplinary environment.
Knowledge of HIPAA and Privacy Act confidentiality requirements for patient health records, information, and personally identifiable information.
Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Strong oral and written communication, active listening, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
Strong problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills; integrity and honesty; and demonstrated cultural awareness.
Ability to respond to a medical emergency anywhere in the facility on foot within four minutes and perform CPR or emergency care while standing or kneeling.
Ability to assist sick, injured, or aging detainees or staff in exiting the building during an emergency.

Nice To Haves

Spanish-speaking ability is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive mental health screenings, patient care management, patient education, and patient support under the clinical direction of a Behavioral Health Provider.
Conduct segregation wellness checks, sleep checks, behavioral observations, and compliance coaching for medical and mental health patients.
Monitor patient compliance, safety, and engagement in an integrated therapeutic care environment in consultation with the Behavioral Health Provider.
Collect health data and observe patient behaviors and wellness; document clinical observations including mood, affect, mental sharpness, sleep, eating habits, overall functioning, and changes.
Prompt patients as needed with activities of daily living and provide health and general program education.
Escort behavioral health detainees to appointments as required and observe patients during programming and recreation activities.
Facilitate basic therapeutic and psycho-educational groups, including processing groups and alternative programming, and provide individual patient education, care, and treatment.
Assist in developing behavioral treatment interventions, including coping skills, anger management, and self-regulation activities.
Gather patient care information through frequent contacts to assist behavioral health and medical providers with diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management.
Monitor medical housing units and special needs populations and conduct wellness checks.
Respond to emergent situations using sound judgment and team collaboration in accordance with facility procedures and IHSC policy.
Manage program schedules, including group schedules, telehealth appointments, and individual check-ins.
Chaperone clinical appointments, including tele-behavioral health and telepsychiatry, and obtain and record vital signs when available.
Schedule appointments, complete electronic health record documentation, and coordinate follow-up care for mental health patients under the direction of the Behavioral Health Provider.
Maintain basic knowledge of behavioral health interventions, psychotropic medications, side effects, and their potential impact on patient functioning.
Maintain professional knowledge through in-service education, workshops, conferences, and self-study.
Adhere to IHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards and use the IHSC electronic health records proficiently and accurately.