Behavioral Health Technician (PRN)

Planned Systems International, Inc. • Taylor, TX

4d • 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 at the T. Don Hutto Detention Center in Taylor, Texas. This civilian contractor role provides behavioral health support and helps deliver safe, high-quality health care to people in ICE custody. Work is on an as-needed basis, including coverage for staff absences, high-census periods, and special projects; hours and shifts vary.

Under the clinical direction of a licensed Behavioral Health Provider, the technician supports mental health screenings, patient care management, wellness and sleep checks, behavioral observations, patient education, and basic psycho-educational groups. The role monitors patient safety and treatment compliance, supports patient engagement, coordinates appointments and follow-up care, and documents services and observations in electronic health records. The technician also contributes to crisis response, therapeutic programming, and care coordination with behavioral health and medical providers.

The position requires an associate degree in a behavioral science or specialty field, two years of relevant work experience, and current BLS or CPR/BLS certification. AAPT Level Three certification must be obtained within 12 months of hire. Candidates must be able to pass a background check and drug screen and have a current physical and immunizations. The work involves physical activity and the ability to respond to facility medical emergencies.

PSI describes its benefits as applying to full-time, benefits-eligible employees. These include paid leave; options for employer-sponsored insurance and other coverage; flexible spending and health savings account options; a 401(k) plan with an immediately vested employer match; and professional development and tuition reimbursement programs.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a behavioral science or specialty field.
• AAPT Level Three 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.
• Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen; current physical and immunizations are required.
• 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 use electronic health records, web-based training, and communication tools.
• Proficient verbal and written English communication skills to develop positive rapport with patients, coworkers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and take direction in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and Privacy Act requirements regarding confidential patient health records, information, and personally identifiable information.
• Moderate proficiency with 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; demonstrated cultural awareness.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including responding to medical emergencies within four minutes and performing 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 direct services to the assigned population under the clinical direction of a licensed Behavioral Health Provider.
• Conduct health data collection, behavioral observations, wellness checks, and sleep hygiene encounters as directed.
• Prompt patients as needed with activities of daily living and provide health education, program education, and patient support.
• Monitor patient safety and risk, observe behavior during programming and recreation, and escort behavioral health detainees to appointments as required.
• Maintain basic knowledge of behavioral health interventions, psychotropic medications, side effects, and possible effects on patient functioning.
• Facilitate basic therapeutic and psycho-educational groups and provide individual patient education, care, and treatment.
• Assist with developing behavioral interventions, including coping skills, anger management, and self-regulation activities.
• Gather patient care information through frequent contacts to assist providers with diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management.
• Document clinical observations, including mood, affect, mental sharpness, sleep, eating habits, overall functioning, and observed changes.
• Perform medical housing unit and special-needs monitoring and 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 and obtain and record vital signs for tele-behavioral health or other clinical appointments when available.
• Continue professional development through in-service education, workshops, conferences, and self-study.
• Adhere to UHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards.
• Maintain proficiency in and accurately use the IHSC electronic health records system.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages.
• Full range of benefits for full-time, benefits-eligible employees, including paid leave.
• Options for employer-sponsored group medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft coverage, and accident insurance.
• Flexible spending account and health savings account options with pre-tax savings for qualified expenses.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan with an immediately vested employer contribution match.
• Professional courses and certifications.
• Tuition reimbursement programs.
• Work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Associate degree