Behavioral Health Technician

IHMS USA • El Paso, TX

25d

About The Position

This position is contingent on contract award. Provide direct behavioral health support within the dedicated Behavioral Health Unit to assist with structured groups, monitor patients, and support Behavioral Health Providers in delivering behavioral health treatment for patients with serious mental illness and mental health conditions of moderate severity. Perform duties in a trauma-informed, safety-focused, and therapeutic care milieu consistent with contract-required behavioral health operations, patient monitoring, and programming requirements.

Requirements

• American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) certification at level three within 15 months of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Associate degree in a behavioral science or specialty field.
• Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• Ability to work in a structured, therapeutic, trauma-informed environment.
• Ability to support patient safety, patient monitoring, and therapeutic engagement.
• Ability to communicate observations and concerns promptly to appropriate clinical staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Behavioral Health Providers, nursing staff, and other healthcare personnel.
• Ability to assist with groups, monitor patients, and support Behavioral Health Providers.
• Ability to support evidence-based group programming and psychoeducational activities.
• Ability to perform patient observation and communicate behavioral changes and safety concerns.
• Ability to complete accurate and timely documentation in required record systems.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow facility procedures for suicide prevention and intervention, nonviolent crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, emergency response, patient confidentiality, and health record handling.
• Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
• Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile.
• Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds.
• Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
• Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging patients or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self).
• Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
• Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
• Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
• Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
• Phone or computer use for extended periods of time.
• Must maintain current/physical residency in the continental U.S.
• Pass a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 30 days prior to initial assignment.
• U.S. citizen and have resided in the U.S. for the last five years (unless abroad on official U.S. government duty).
• Successfully engage in and complete a thorough Background Investigation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain assigned security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with structured behavioral health group programming and psychoeducational activities in the Behavioral Health Unit and support delivery of evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions.
• Monitor patients and document behavioral observations, changes in presentation, and other relevant clinical information to support Behavioral Health Providers and ongoing patient care.
• Support Behavioral Health Providers in the operation of the Behavioral Health Unit, including direct support for patient engagement, safety monitoring, and therapeutic programming.
• Maintain patient contact in a trauma-informed manner and support a structured wrap-around therapeutic milieu for patients with serious mental illness and other mental health conditions of moderate severity.
• Assist with behavioral health group schedules and support use of designated group and telehealth spaces as directed.
• Support observation and monitoring activities in behavioral health treatment areas, including areas used for mental health observation and suicide precautions, in accordance with facility procedures and assigned direction.
• Communicate patient status concerns, urgent behavioral changes, and safety issues promptly to the appropriate licensed clinical or nursing personnel.
• Complete assigned documentation accurately and timely in the required health record or other approved documentation system.
• Support patient care in coordination with Behavioral Health Providers, nursing staff, and other facility healthcare personnel.
• Participate in required training on suicide prevention and intervention, nonviolent crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, emergency response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator use, emergency first aid, signs of mental illness, and suicide risk.
• Comply with applicable confidentiality, privacy, safety, and contract-required detention and healthcare standards, policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Perform other contract-aligned duties within the scope of the role that support Behavioral Health Unit operations, patient monitoring, behavioral health programming, and continuity of care.
• Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.

Benefits

• Full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• Additional benefits include a 401k plan, paid time off, and an annual bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree