Behavioral Health Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Primary Purpose and Function

Responsible for, under the direction of a licensed mental health professional, working as an active participant of the treatment team by assisting in the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic environment. The BHT supervises patients and leads structured activities in the treatment milieu during breaks and mealtimes.  Facilitate effective engagement with staff and other patients.  

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s level degree in Psychology, Social Work, Dietetics or related field, or relevant work experience
• Must possess a valid WA state driver’s license; successfully pass THIRA’s Driver Assessment
• Demonstrated competency in the use of Microsoft Office and the ability to use various software programs
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive criminal background check (Federal and state)
• Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends & holidays as needed
• Must possess current and active AgencyAffiliatedCounselor Registration (AAC credentials) or ability to obtain one within initial 30 days of employment 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience in clinical/therapeutic settings preferred; work experience with eating disorders, trauma, chemical dependency, mood disorders, and/or anxiety disorders preferred 
• Prior work experience in food service setting or related field
• Experience working in PHP, IOP, residential or IPU environment
• Crisis management experience 
• Experience and literacy with medical practice software&EMR

Addendum A: Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

• Support and assist licensed healthcare providers (including therapists, dietitians, prescribers, and nurses) in creating and maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu environment 

• Observe and report changes in patient’s behaviors, physical symptoms, and mental health status to the clinical team 
• Serve as point of contact for new patients entering the program orienting them to program structure, space, and rules 
• Participate in milieu activities, reinforce effective interactions, and provide redirection for ineffective interactions 
• Provide supported interventions in the milieu to facilitate patients practicing DBT skills 
• Provide one-to-one supervision of patients requiring increased observation 
• Model and encourage patients to engage in eating per dietary philosophy 
• Provide regular meal and snack monitoring and meal coaching to patients  
• Assist with and/or conduct nutrition-based educational groups on various relevant topics as needed 
• Observe patient dietary behaviors and report progress to clinical team as relevant 
• Accompany and safely drive/transport patients and therapeutic staff on recreational and therapeutic outings and ensure patient safety 
• Escort patients to the restroom to ensure appropriate use of the facility 
• Communicate with patients and family members regarding attendance and absences as needed 
• Maintain infection control standards within our facility and ensure staff and patients uphold procedures and standards as relevant 
• Communicate needed information across shifts and treatment team
• Complete rounds on patients at frequency determined by clinical team when needed and document appropriately

Addendum B: General Responsibilities & Expectations 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function

• Support and maintain policies regarding professional ethics, including appropriate boundaries and patient confidentiality; monitor documents according to company and HIPAA policies. 
• Report any immediate safety hazards to appropriate supervisory personnel or maintenance personnel.

• Adhere to WA State Requirements for Mandated Reporting when applicable and communicate relevant information to licensed staff
• Demonstrate awareness and respect for diverse patients and staff
• Adheres to THIRA Health’s compliance standards, Ethics and Code of Conduct Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy 
• Attend and actively participate in all required THIRA meetings, trainings, and all other coverage, duties, and special projects as assigned 
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and judgement with sensitive and confidential matters, including PII, PHI, and HIPAA requirements  
• Possess strong verbal and written English communication skills  
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision
• Maintain focus on THIRA’s core principles, priorities, and patient-centered culture  
• Effectively communicate with all levels of staff, visitors, healthcare professionals, marketers, and the public in a professional, sensitive, and interpersonal manner 

Working Environment

Work is performed primarily indoors.  Lighting is artificial with some natural.  Equipment used includes standard office equipment, i.e., computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, printer, and scanner.  Physical demands include sitting, walking, standing, bending over, repetitive use of hands, and lifting up to 25lbs.  This position requires close contact with all THIRA Health staff and mental health patients.  Hours and days can vary within a Saturday through Friday workweek.

Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
Tuesday-Thursday 3:30pm-8pm