Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Lead

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Lead to join our team! The Lead BHT works under the direction of the Behavioral Health Technician Supervisor. The Lead Behavioral Health Technician (Lead BHT) provides supervision, guidance, and leadership to the Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) within a 24-hour dual diagnosis residential program. The Lead BHT ensures that all BHTs perform their duties effectively, maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. While overseeing the day-to-day activities of the BHT team, the Lead BHT also monitors client behavior, facilitates group activities, and ensures adherence to program policies and procedures. Other duties include being able to function/serve as a BHT when necessary, including the ability to drive/transport and handle/serve food. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work in a residential treatment setting with clients experiencing mental health, substance use and behavioral disorders. Also, provides 24-hour on-call support to their team.


Your role in action:

1.Team Leadership & Supervision:

• Oversee and coordinate the daily activities of the BHT team, ensuring adherence to schedules and program protocols.

• Serve as a role model and mentor to BHTs, providing guidance and support in performing their duties.

• Assist the BHT Supervisor in training new BHTs, including orientation, shadowing, and skills development.

• Monitor BHT performance and report any concerns, incidents, or performance issues to the BHT Supervisor. Completes performance appraisals for BHT team.

• Facilitate effective communication between the BHT team and clinical staff, ensuring a cohesive treatment environment.

• Reviews and approves timecards for BHT team.

2.Client Monitoring & Safety:

• Monitor client behavior and ensure the safety of all residents through regular rounds and observations.

• Respond promptly to behavioral issues or crises, utilizing de-escalation techniques and coordinating with clinical staff, as necessary.

• Conduct regular room checks and ensure compliance with program rules and safety standards.

• Maintain awareness of client whereabouts and promote a safe, structured environment.

1. Program Support:

• Ensure that BHTs support the implementation of daily program schedules, including client participation in activities, groups, and appointments.

• Assist in organizing and facilitating program activities, including recreational and therapeutic events.

• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the residential facility (housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, etc.)

• Assist in serving food to clients.

• Assist during adverse weather conditions including onsite presence as required.

• Assist in transporting clients to off-campus appointments, meetings, and activities, as needed via agency designated vehicles.

• Ensure that all BHTs follow policies and procedures regarding client safety, documentation, and communication.

1. Facilitating Interactive Groups:

• Lead and oversee the facilitation of interactive group sessions designed to engage clients in meaningful activities and promote prosocial skills development.

• Encourage active client participation in group activities and support BHTs in keeping clients motivated and engaged.

• Collaborate with the clinical team to ensure group activities align with clients' treatment goals.

5.Documentation & Reporting:

• Ensure that all BHTs maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, incidents, and progress in the program's electronic health record (EHR) system.

• Review BHT documentation for accuracy and completeness before submission to the BHT Supervisor or clinical staff.

• Assist the BHT Supervisor in compiling reports and addressing any documentation discrepancies.

6.Facility Oversight:

• Ensure that the physical environment of the facility is safe, clean, and organized, coordinating with BHTs and Operational Support staff to maintain common areas and client living spaces.

• Report any facility-related issues, maintenance needs, or safety concerns to the appropriate personnel.

7.Crisis Management:

• Responds to emergency situations, such as behavioral crisis or medical emergencies to ensure staff are following established protocols.

• Coordinate with clinical staff and external emergency services as necessary to ensure client safety

• Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.


What qualifications will you need:

Education :

• High School Diploma or General Education diploma.

• Associate's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent work experience in behavioral health may be considered.

• Equivalent work experience in behavioral health, correctional mental health, residential or related field, may be considered if the associate's degree is not in the preferred area of study.


Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience working in a mental health setting with 1 year of document proof of team leadership experience required.


Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent observation skills

• Effective communication (verbal and written) skills needed for documentation.

• Knowledge of and ability to apply agency approved crisis intervention techniques (Handle with Care)

• Ability to de-escalate as part of client management.

• Ability to manage high-stress situations and make sound decisions in emergencies.

• Understanding of Standard Universal Precautions and infection Control procedures.

• Ability to utilize medical machines (vital sign equipment).

• Positive interpersonal skills.

• Well organized and self-directed.

• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with other disciplines inter and intra agency wide, as well as staff and clients.

• Demonstrate ethical conduct, professionalism, and confidentiality in all activities.

About us:

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.


What else you should know:

• This posting is associated with position #64026

Night Shift 600p-630a

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment