Behavioral Health Technician- Per Diem (35015)

ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL GROUP•Middletown Township, PA

1d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Behavioral Health Technicians (BHT) interact with clients throughout the shift, assisting and supporting clients with their functional needs. They are responsible for managing the daily milieu of the facility, ensuring client safety, and maintaining a therapeutic environment. BHTs are expected to familiarize themselves with client histories and needs, and be capable of identifying cues and behaviors that may indicate a change in clients’ status or condition. This position is responsible for documenting in client records and communicating proactively with clinical team members and supervisor(s). This is a Per Diem position, meaning it is as needed, but requires a commitment of at least 2 days per month and attendance at in-person trainings when required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Drug and alcohol certification preferred or a willingness to complete requirements within the orientation period.
2+ years of experience working with clients with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
1 year of supervision experience.
Valid/Clean driving record for 5 years.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or willingness to complete within the first 30 days of employment.
Must complete required BHT training and CPI training and be willing to recertify yearly.
Ability to communicate with peers/general public, clients and/or vendors.
Ability to move throughout the building as well as sit or remain stationary for extended periods of time.
Ability to talk or hear.
Ability to reach, climb or balance.
Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Ability to taste or smell.
Ability to move up to 25 pounds.
Understands and maintains professional boundaries.
Demonstrates an understanding of rules/limits of patient confidentiality and maintains appropriate levels of client confidentiality/privacy.
Demonstrates an understanding of identifying abuse/neglect in client population.
Demonstrates behavior that promotes positive customer relations with clients, staff, and visitors.
Contributes to continuous quality improvement – can identify performance improvement processes and verbalize role in the process.
Demonstrates an understanding of and adherence to universal precautions, infection control and proper handwashing.
Demonstrates proper procedures in responding to emergency and safety drills.
Demonstrates the ability to recognize and respond to aggressive behavior and employ crisis intervention techniques.
Demonstrates ability to perform CPR and first aid.
Demonstrates ability to observe, supervise, evaluate, and document client behaviors in groups and planned activities.
Demonstrates knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Demonstrates the ability to recognize symptoms and distress of clients.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate relevant information pertinent to client care.
Demonstrates consideration of and respect for values and cultural beliefs.

Nice To Haves

Drug and alcohol certification preferred.
Willingness to complete drug and alcohol certification within the orientation period.
Willingness to complete CPR and First Aid Certification within the first 30 days of employment.
Willingness to recertify BHT training and CPI training yearly.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with the clinical team to determine and select appropriate interventions based on the needs of individual clients.
Actively participates and engages clients in the milieu and outside activities throughout the workday, often in a variety of group settings.
Prompts clients to complete ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), including room cleanliness, hygiene, and laundry, and completes regular room hygiene checks.
Conducts client drug screening, pregnancy tests, and breathalyzers, as necessary.
Prompts clients to attend all meals in a timely manner and provides supervision and structure at mealtimes as appropriate.
Models effective table manners and small talk during mealtimes, focusing on engaging all clients.
Provides, structures, and maintains a therapeutic environment in collaboration with other staff.
Therapeutically interacts with clients in one-to-one situations, community, and group meetings, maintaining appropriate boundaries and modeling appropriate social behavior.
Collaborates with the clinical team to facilitate client education groups.
Reacts therapeutically in crisis situations.
Recognizes client’s level of behavioral functioning and modifies approaches accordingly, including recognizing mood changes and developing DBT coping skills.
Maintains a therapeutic relationship with clients using praise and other reinforcers to encourage appropriate behaviors and attitudes, setting limits in a kind and firm manner.
Documents services provided, incident reports, shift reports, group and milieu notes in a timely and accurate manner, in accordance with policies and procedures.
Complies with facility safety procedures as outlined in the policy and procedure manual, including fire drills, evacuation procedures, and internal/external disaster plans.
Demonstrates effective verbal intervention skills in managing escalating clients and involving other staff as needed.
Adheres to the DBT model and interventions.
Performs a vehicle safety and fuel check prior to use of any company vehicle, reporting any concerns to supervisor or manager.
Supports clients in effectively managing leisure time, including joining in activities with clients.
Greets all guests warmly and friendly.
Follows through with clinical precautions effectively, including visual clinical observations.
Answers the phone and fields calls in an upbeat and positive manner, focusing on customer service.
Transports clients to appointments, supporting clients while regulating in the community.
Identifies and recognizes triggers for escalation with each client, and utilizes de-escalation techniques, focusing on prevention of crisis.
Gathers clients for outings and groups to promote program engagement.
Supports medication compliance and management of client self-administration.
Prepares for client admissions to all levels of care, including but not limited to ensuring the room is prepared, completing intake documentation, and ensuring all medications are documented and stored.
Conducts client belonging searches and inventory, and notifies the therapist of any contraband.
Supports discharge processes, as needed.
Conducts chart audits following program policy timelines, as requested.
Can be relied upon to be at work as scheduled and is rarely absent from work, notifying the supervisor if absent.
Demonstrates an ability to adapt to changes in facility function, management styles, and facility routines.
Reads, understands, and adheres to all company policy statements on ethics, conduct, and conflict of interests.
Adheres to facility policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, implementing them regularly.
Maintains a positive attitude and acts as a team player with others on the treatment team.
Attends all supervisory trainings within assigned time frames as required by the facility.
Writes clearly, informatively, and effectively.
Performs other duties as assigned.