Youth and Family Care Connection, Behavioral Health Technician

Job Description

Job Description

New Oakland Family Centers offers top-tier psychiatric care, therapeutic counseling, and educational services to individuals and families. We are committed to providing consistent, compassionate support, responding to each person's needs, and treating everyone with the highest level of respect through active engagement in our communities.

Position Details

Schedule: Full time; Shift-based schedule, Three 12.5 hour shifts per week - Day and midnight shift available; 7:00am to 7:30pm or 7:00pm to 7:30am or other shift as determined by Director. 

Reports to: Clinical Director / Clinical Supervisor

Compensation: Hourly Employee; $18-$24/hour. Commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

The Youth and Family Care Connection (YFCC) Behavioral Health Technician is a full-time position responsible for overseeing clinical and administrative functions within the 24/7 short-term crisis stabilization unit for children. This role involves close collaboration with clinical and administrative staff, as well as consumers of all populations, with a particular focus on children, to ensure safe, efficient, and effective care.

Key Responsibilities

• Foster a safe, nurturing environment that promotes respect, diversity, acceptance, and compassion while maintaining professional and appropriate boundaries with clients and staff at all times.
• Perform regular safety checks and continuous monitoring of consumers in the unit, remove hazardous items, and document and report findings as required.
• Monitor consumer safety concerns and take appropriate action to prevent harm, ensuring timely communication of these issues.
• Maintain a presence in client care areas to provide assistance and support to both clients and staff. Engage with clients daily to support their progress toward milieu goals, encourage independence, and assist with daily living activities as needed.
• Identify and respond to verbal and non-verbal cues of potential aggressive behaviors, utilizing de-escalation techniques when necessary. Respond to critical situations, including CPI-approved physical interventions and CPR, as required.
• Supervise meals and snacks and eat with consumers in the stabilization unit to foster engagement and support.
• Complete required documentation, records, and rotation schedules in compliance with agency policies and role expectations.
• Adhere to rotation schedules for milieu supervision and consumer monitoring until they are under the supervision of a parent/legal guardian.
• Communicate daily with Crisis Services staff regarding clinical and administrative matters, contributing to a collaborative work environment.
• Perform light cleaning tasks, including laundry and sanitizing areas affected by bodily functions (e.g., urine, feces, emesis) while consumers are in the unit. Regularly straighten the milieu and replenish supplies as needed. 

• Adhere to all security and operational procedures, staying current with professional training requirements.
• Attend and participate in team meetings and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward learning and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Demonstrate ability to accept constructive feedback, implement guidance, and show a willingness to grow and improve professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations.

Working Conditions

• Employees are expected to maintain a professional appearance in alignment with the Employee Handbook and be prepared for active engagement with clients.
• Employees are to work in an acute, locked-down crisis unit within a high-intensity crisis center environment with exposure to behavioral and medical events that could pose physical hazards.
• Employees are expected to actively engage with clients, including using approved CPI techniques or intervening in elopement situations when necessary
• May require prolonged periods of standing, moving and bending. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions as needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• The position involves prolonged active listening and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in using computers, phones, and office equipment for documentation and telehealth purposes is necessary. This includes but is not limited to Office 365 and Electronic Medical Record systems.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s or pre-bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or counseling preferred.
• One to two years of crisis work experience highly preferred.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations, including children required.
• Ability to assess situations quickly, problem-solve, and implement appropriate interventions.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Desired Skills

• Expertise in crisis de-escalation and resolution techniques.
• Up-to-date knowledge of behavioral management and de-escalation strategies.
• Ability to assess situations quickly, prioritize urgency and risks, and make timely, sound decisions that benefit the consumer and program.
• Capacity to remain calm and collaborate effectively as part of a team during crisis situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively engage diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults.