Psychological/Mental Health Technician

Battelle • Norfolk, VA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle’s Health Research and Analytics business line is seeking a full-time Psychological/Mental Health Technician to support the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Preservation of the Forces and Family program. The role contributes to research and analytics supporting evidence-based decisions and initiatives to sustain the readiness, longevity, and performance of Special Operations Forces and their families.

The position supports outpatient behavioral health activities by conducting intake interviews, assisting with patient care, and leading prescribed therapeutic sessions under the supervision of licensed or credentialed professionals. It also involves administrative and clinical work such as data collection, report preparation, meeting coordination, record maintenance, supply management, and responding to inquiries from staff, service members, and families. The technician is expected to exercise judgment and initiative, perform standard and nonstandard assignments, and resolve non-recurring problems while supporting efficient program operations and quality patient care.

Depending on the location and assignment, the role may also include psychological or psychophysiological testing, maintaining statistical databases, coordinating clinical appointments and meetings, managing records and supplies, and providing information and resources to families and professional staff. The position may involve a hybrid arrangement, with 60% in-office and 40% remote work, subject to team and position needs.

Requirements

• Associate degree or commensurate training for a psychiatric technician or mental health program assistant; the education requirement may be met through military or comparable training.
• If military trained, a specialty as a mental health technician or specialist.
• At least three years of experience as a psychiatric technician.
• A sound foundation in psychology and/or social work.
• Knowledge of basic conflict management and de-escalation for agitated, violent, potentially violent, or suicidal individuals.
• Prior training to intervene and, when required, restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification, with documentation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the management and treatment of outpatient behavioral health activities.
• Provide behavioral health interventions, from prevention through treatment, under the supervision of a licensed psychiatrist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, or psychologist.
• Conduct intake interviews, assist with psychiatric, drug, and alcohol patient care and treatment, and counsel clients or patients with personal, behavioral, or psychological problems under a credentialed provider’s supervision.
• Perform standard and nonstandard assignments independently and resolve non-recurring problems on own initiative.
• Assign work by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and guide assignments that lack clear precedents.
• Select appropriate guidelines for work situations and refer unusual matters not covered by policies or regulations to the Government supervisor.
• Observe patients, identify behavior patterns, and report observations to licensed behavioral health staff.
• Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional.
• Complete initial intake interviews and required forms for new patients on behalf of licensed mental health providers.
• Depending on assignment, administer psychological tests, compile data, and prepare testing reports under a licensed psychologist’s supervision.
• Depending on assignment, administer psychophysiological tests and assessments under a licensed medical or mental health professional’s supervision.
• Populate and maintain a computerized database of HQ organization units and assigned service members, and compile monthly training statistics.
• Prepare correspondence and materials such as training agendas, meeting agendas, purchase orders, and clinical appointments.
• Collect and maintain monthly workplace statistical data and attendance rosters and statistics for active-duty personnel receiving Social Work or Behavioral Health services.
• Assist in developing program operating instructions, identify inefficiencies with providers, and recommend corrective action.
• Review items such as office time sheets to help ensure program operations are managed within budget.
• Develop and implement appointment templates for clinical providers.
• Place physical maintenance work orders and maintain property hand receipts and inventory.
• Maintain supply stock and order specialized behavioral health forms and tests.
• Gather data for presentations, process-improvement initiatives, longitudinal statistical tracking, hospitalizations, and discharges; manipulate and present data using software applications.
• Respond by telephone and in person to appointment inquiries from Command members and professional, civilian, and military personnel.
• Interface with the Command’s family support organizations.
• Maintain competency folders in accordance with program policy.
• Coordinate Case Review Committee attendance and agendas with military and civilian agencies; reserve meeting locations, verify attendance, and prepare current and tentative agendas for the following week.
• Prepare open- and closed-case reports for the required special handling of outpatient medical records in accordance with regulations.
• Maintain a resource library for professional staff and customers, selecting materials related to education, clinical social work, and family studies.
• Provide information to families seeking guidance on healthy family life and parenting skills.

Benefits

• Flexible, compressed work schedule with every other Friday off for most team members.
• Hybrid work flexibility, with 60% in-office and 40% remote work, subject to team and position needs.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits, plus optional supplemental benefits.
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan; for most employees, Battelle contributes 5% regardless of employee contribution and matches employee contributions.
• Tuition assistance for higher education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree