Mental Health Technician
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
- Supervises a group of 7-10 youth through activities during waking and non-waking hours
- Unobtrusively provides external controls necessary to ensure safety and security
- Guides and teaches 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
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
- Free RX delivery on most medications
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development
- Robust Employee Assistance Program
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
