Behavioral Science Specialist / Psychiatric Technician

Decypher•Lackland AFB, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Science Specialist / Psychiatric Technician provides direct patient care and clinical support to individuals receiving behavioral health services. The role assists with assessments, treatment, rehabilitation, and therapeutic interventions; monitors patient progress; maintains accurate medical and treatment records; coordinates care with multidisciplinary teams and community resources; and promotes patient safety while supporting high-quality behavioral health services. This position is on site at JBSA - Lackland, Fort Sam Houston, Five Points, Texas. The schedule is 7 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, including a one-hour unpaid lunch during each nine-hour shift. No overtime. Pay is $22.60 per hour plus benefits, or additional cash pay in lieu of benefits.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Technician Program; NCPT or state license is a plus but not required; OR completion of equivalent education and experience meeting American Association of Psychiatric Technicians requirements; OR completion of education and experience as a behavioral science specialist or technician in the U.S. military, plus proof of completing an Armed Forces course involving psychiatric technician training or a civilian course from an accredited school in behavioral health patient care.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
One year of experience as a Psychiatric Technician after graduation.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods; lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally; assist patients with mobility and activities of daily living; respond quickly during behavioral health emergencies; use manual dexterity to operate medical equipment and document patient care; and communicate effectively with patients and staff.

Nice To Haves

NCPT or state license.

Responsibilities

Conduct or assist in treatment and rehabilitation of patients.
Perform initial basic assessment procedures, including standardized psychological testing, clinical interviewing, mental status examinations, substance abuse evaluations, and psychological and nursing assessments.
Identify mental health and nursing diagnoses and provide patient education.
Observe, monitor, record, and report patient progress.
Conduct or assist with group and individual counseling, therapeutic community, and other related milieu activities.
Institute precautionary measures to prevent patient injury or suicide.
Assist patients with nutritional, hygiene, and comfort measures.
Obtain and record vital signs.
Coordinate with other agencies regarding specified care, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and administrative functions.
Contact military and community agencies to obtain collateral information.
Explain and interpret mental health services to patients or others.
Assist with or arrange patient referrals to public, private, and military community agencies.
Prepare and maintain records and reports pertaining to specialty services and treatment.
Assist with care of individuals experiencing acute and post-traumatic stress reactions.