Mental Health Technician

Mental Health Technician - Youth Behavioral Health
Location: Osceola Youth Center, Evart, MI
Department: Direct Care
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $20 per hour

Shift: Various


Sign-On Bonus: $3,000 ($1,500 paid after 90 days of employment and an additional $1,500 paid after 6 months of employment)

About Youth Opportunity & Osceola Youth Center

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 ages10 to17 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 to9months, 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.

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

Why Join Youth Opportunity?

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Gain experience in a growing field of youth mental health and residential care
• Work in a secure, structured, and supportive treatment environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

Key Responsibilities

This direct care position supervises a group of 7-10 youth through activities during waking and non-waking hours. While unobtrusively providing external controls necessary to ensure safety and security, Mental Health Technicians 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

Other Duties Include

• Participate in training and development activities as required
• Report incidents or concerns involving youth or staff relationships
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two years of college coursework in social or human service field preferred

Experience:

• Two years' experience working with youth preferred

Skills:

• 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

Physical Demands:

• 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

Other:

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Must pass state criminal background check requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer