Mental Health Technician

Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC•Evart, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Osceola Youth Center in Evart, Michigan is a trauma‑informed Youth Center serving boys ages 10 to 17 requiring behavioral stabilization. The program merges clinical therapy, education, life skills training, and expressive recreation to support emotional growth in a structured setting. Youth typically remain in care for 6 to 9 months, engaging in individual, family, and group therapy; restorative justice; victim‑impact awareness; and pre‑vocational preparation. Programming in small group units encourages family partnership and successful return to the community.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Strong verbal skills to communicate effectively with youth
Group counseling and leadership skills
Ability to think independently and distinguish cause from effect
Certification in First Aid, CPR, and crisis intervention required during probationary period
Ability to provide accurate, objective documentation
Ability to lift 30 pounds from floor to shoulder height
Extensive walking and standing required
Ability to intervene physically if necessary and participate in physical activities with youth
Ability to transport youth as needed
Free of communicable diseases as defined by the state
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Must pass state criminal background check requirements

Nice To Haves

Two years of college coursework in social or human service field preferred
Two years’ experience working with youth preferred

Responsibilities

Supervise a group of 7-10 youth through activities during waking and non-waking hours.
Unobtrusively provide external controls necessary to ensure safety and security.
Guide and teach youth the internal controls needed to live responsibly when and where external controls are relaxed.
Supervise the activities of a group of youths, maintaining knowledge of the whereabouts of all group members.
Comply with procedures on movement, physical security, contraband, head counts, and reporting.
Provide a safe, secure environment using group counseling techniques and positive discipline.
Represent each youth’s needs and accomplishments to the treatment team.
Conduct group problem-solving meetings and daily check-ins with youth.
Assist teachers with transferring classroom lessons to living units.
Promote and assist with daily activities, ensuring participation and follow-through.
Document daily shift activities and complete required reports.
Make referrals for special needs or medical evaluation as necessary.
Participate in training and development activities as required.
Report incidents or concerns involving youth or staff relationships.
Perform other duties as assigned.