Behavioral Health Technician

Behavioral Health Technician

Cognito LLC, a Planned Systems International (PSI) joint venture, is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) at the T. Don Hutto Detention Center in Taylor, Texas.

As a civilian contractor working for Cognito, you will utilize your abilities as a Behavioral Health Technician to provide the safe delivery of high-quality health care to those in ICE custody. The ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) exists within the organizational structure of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Officers, civil service staff and contractors comprise the healthcare professionals working together to provide quality healthcare services. IHSC serves as the medical experts for ICE for detainee health care.

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides comprehensive mental health screenings, patient care management and facilitates basic psycho-educational groups. BHT augments on-site behavioral services to include patient education, segregation wellness checks, sleep checks, behavioral observations, and compliance coaching for medical and mental health patients. The BHT consults with Behavioral Health Provider (BHP) to monitor patient compliance, promote safety and patient engagement within an integrated and therapeutic care milieu. BHT schedules appointments, complete medical records documentation in electronic Health Records (eHR) and coordinates follow up care for mental health patients under the direction of the BHP.

• Under the clinical direction of a licensed Behavioral Health Provider assists in:
  • providing direct services to assigned population
  • health data collection
  • observations of behaviors and wellness checks
  • perform sleep hygiene encounters and checks as directed
  • prompting as needed with activities of daily living
  • health and general program education and patient support
  • patient safety and risk monitoring
  • escorts BH detainees to appointments as required
  • observation of patient's behaviors during all programming and recreation activities
• Maintains a basic knowledge of behavioral health interventions including psychotropic medications and awareness of side effects and potential impact on patient functioning.
• Facilitate basic therapeutic and psycho-education groups (i.e. Processing Groups/Alternative Programming) and provides direct individual patient education, care and treatment.
• Assists in the development of specific behavioral treatment interventions such as coping skills, anger management, and other self-regulating behavior activities.
• Gathers patient care information through frequent contacts to assist behavioral health and medical providers with diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management.
• Documents clinical observations of a patient's behavior including mood, affect, mental sharpness, sleeping patterns, eating habits and overall functioning and any changes observed.
• Performs medical housing unit and special needs monitoring and wellness checks.
• Conduct crisis management in emergent situations through sound judgement and team collaboration according to standardized facility procedures and IHSC policy.
• Conduct program schedule management to include: group schedules, telehealth appointments, and individual check-ins).
• Chaperone and obtain/record vital signs for Tele-Behavioral Health (to include telepsychiatry) or any other clinical appointment (if available).
• Continues professional development through in-service education, workshops, conferences and self-study necessary to maintain current knowledge applicable to the position.
• Adhere to UHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards.
• Maintain proficiency and accurately utilizes the IHSC electronic health records

Minimum Requirements

• Degree: Associates degree in a behavioral science/speciality field.
• Certification:
  • American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) certification at level three within 12 months of hire.
  • Maintains current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course (BLS) or the American Red Cross CPR/BLS Course.
• Experience: Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• Credentialing: Ability to pass background check and drug screen. Current physical and immunizations.
• Basic knowledge regarding therapeutic communication and psychiatric recovery and rehabilitation skills.
• Ability to conduct clinical mental health screenings.
• Ability to facilitate skill building exercises, patient safety and wellness processing groups.
• Ability to coordinate instructional recreational activities.
• Ability to communicate with cultural awareness and respond to the unique needs of members of diverse populations.
• Ability to navigate electronic health records, web-based training and communications.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written) in order to develop positive rapport with patients, co-workers and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and take direction in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of regulations (HIPAA/Privacy Act) regarding the confidentiality of patient health records and information as well as Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Moderate proficiency in common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Strong oral/written communication skills.
• Active listening skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills.
• Integrity/honesty.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness.
• Spanish-speaking candidates are preferred, but not required.

Physical Demands

• The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking or jogging unaided over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy patients or equipment.
• The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as agility and dexterity, visual, and hearing capabilities.
• Must be able to respond to any medical emergency in the facility, via foot, within four minutes and perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
• Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging detainees or staff exiting the building during an emergency.

Company Benefits

PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

EEO Commitment

It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io, or by dialing View phone number on click.appcast.io.