Behavioral Health Technician

Integrated Behavioral Health Technician

The Integrated Behavioral Health Technician supports the delivery of whole-person care within a primary care and integrated behavioral health care setting. This role assists patients with screening, brief interventions, engagement in services, care coordination, health education, appointment support, and connection to Appalachian Mountain Health and community behavioral health resources. The Behavioral Health Tech works collaboratively with medical providers, behavioral health clinicians, care managers, and administrative staff to improve patient access, continuity of care, and overall patient experience.

Key Accountabilities

Support integrated behavioral health and primary care teams in coordinating patient care

• Screen all patients for behavioral health and substance use disorders.
• Provide same day access to behavioral health services through collaborating with primary care and behavioral health care teammates.
• Assist patients with scheduling appointments, completing forms, and navigating services. Conduct outreach to patients regarding follow-up appointments, referrals, and care plan engagement.
• Participate in all Behavioral Health team meetings, care coordination meetings, clinic meetings, and staff-wide meetings.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, privacy protections for psychotherapy, and 42 CFR, and organizational policies.

Monitor patient risks and outcomes through tracking engagement and reviewing patient care risks

• Monitor patient's rate of engagement and necessary follow-up appointments, such as labs, and routine health screening.
• Collaborate with providers to support continuity of care and patient engagement.
• Track patient no-shows, and late cancellations and reach out to patient reconnect in care, collaborating with the Behavioral Health Referral Coordinator and the Behavioral Health Clinician.

Support Crisis response through readiness to respond with knowledge of Crisis Interventions, risk assessments, and safety planning protocols

• Assist with patient de-escalation using trauma-informed and person-centered communication techniques.
• Remain with patients experiencing emotional or behavioral distress until appropriate clinical support is available.
• Utilize crisis risk assessments, including the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
• Participate in crisis intervention workflows, including coordination with emergency contacts, mobile crisis teams, emergency medical services, or law enforcement as directed by clinical staff.
• Assist with development and reinforcement of patient safety plans under supervision of licensed clinicians.
• Document crisis-related observations, interventions, and communications accurately and promptly in the electronic health record.
• Maintain awareness of mandatory reporting obligations and organizational procedures regarding abuse, neglect, threats of harm, or other safety concerns.
• Participate in ongoing training related to suicide prevention, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health emergency response.

Requirements

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, human services, public health, or related field preferred.
• Experience working in healthcare, behavioral health, social services, or community-based settings preferred.

Performance Requirements

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with screening tools such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, C-SSRS, SBIRT, or similar behavioral health assessments preferred
• Behavioral Health First Aid, CPR, or de-escalation certification preferred on job training available.
• Knowledge of behavioral health conditions, symptoms, and behaviors preferred.

Skills:

• Training or experience in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, or behavioral health triage preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use, and community resources preferred.

Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Basic computer and documentation skills required.

Physical Requirements

• Seeing: Must be able to read written and printed material, as well as use computer, fax machine, Xerox machine and other office equipment.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with coworkers and others. Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.
• Sitting: Must be able to sit for the majority of the work shift while answering telephone and communicating with others.
• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must be able to stand intermittently and be capable of walking on hardwood and linoleum floors with concrete underpayments. Must be able to walk between various clinical areas and departments.
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: This position requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for easy and skillful use of hands when working with and performing normal office duties and responsibilities.

Work Environment

• Fast paced work environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.