Behavioral Technician Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Associate degree in a behavioral science or specialty field from an institution or program accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• Obtain American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) certification at level three within 12 months of hire.
• Maintain current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course (BLS) or the American Red Cross CPR/BLS Course.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, active listening, interpersonal skills, organizational and time-management skills, problem-solving, judgment, decision-making, integrity, honesty, and cultural awareness.
• Basic knowledge of therapeutic communication and 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 and respond with cultural awareness to the needs of diverse populations.
• Ability to navigate electronic health records, web-based training, and communications.
• Proficient verbal and written English communication skills to develop positive rapport with patients, coworkers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and take direction in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and Privacy Act requirements concerning confidential patient health records and information, as well as Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Moderate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Obtain and maintain the assigned security clearance and receive the required favorable fitness determinations from the Department of Homeland Security Personnel Security Unit.
• Able to perform the physical demands of the work, including prolonged standing; walking or jogging over uneven surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, or reaching; and lifting moderately heavy patients or equipment.
• Able to respond to a medical emergency within the facility on foot within four minutes and perform CPR or emergency care while standing or kneeling.

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 mental health screenings and collect health data.
• Observe patient behaviors and perform wellness checks, including medical housing unit and special-needs monitoring.
• Perform sleep hygiene encounters and checks as directed.
• Prompt patients as needed with activities of daily living.
• Provide health and general program education and patient support.
• Monitor patient safety and risk, and promote patient engagement and compliance.
• Escort behavioral health detainees to appointments as required.
• Observe patient behavior during programming and recreation activities.
• Maintain basic knowledge of behavioral health interventions, psychotropic medications, possible side effects, and effects on patient functioning.
• Facilitate basic therapeutic and psycho-educational groups, including processing groups and alternative programming.
• Provide direct individual patient education, care, and treatment.
• Assist in developing behavioral treatment 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.
• Manage program schedules, including group schedules, telehealth appointments, and individual check-ins.
• Chaperone tele-behavioral health or other clinical appointments and obtain and record vital signs when available.
• Manage crises in emergent situations using sound judgment and team collaboration in accordance with facility procedures and IHSC policy.
• Continue professional development through in-service education, workshops, conferences, and self-study.
• Adhere to IHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards.
• Maintain proficiency in and accurately use the IHSC electronic medical record.
• Respond during emergency activation and be able to reach a medical emergency within the facility on foot within four minutes.
• Assist sick, injured, or aging detainees or staff in exiting the building during an emergency.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability plan
• Long-term disability plan
• Vacation time
• Holidays