Behavioral Health Technician

Description

Job Title: Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Department: Operations

Reports to: Director of Operations/BHT Supervisor

Job Summary:

The Behavioral Health Technician is responsible for assisting and supporting the Facility Director and all treatment program staff, in coordinating and providing the day to day operational needs of the facility and its patients'. BHT’s are responsible for assisting with scheduled monitoring and reporting of the condition of the facility to ensure safe and orderly operations.

The BHT is involved with certain intake procedures, including but not limited to obtaining data when a patient arrives to the facility, conducting searches and rounds, ensuring the safety of a patient during their treatment stay, and assisting the treatment teams with the overseeing of patients’ throughout their daily schedules within the facilities policies and procedures and in accordance with the standards of the State and Federal Regulations. Depending on an individual's safe driving record, some BHT’s may be involved with transportation and complying with vehicle and road/patient safety measures.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with the supervision of patients' in their daily activities.
• Ensure that the patient’s follow the clinical schedule, and communicates any issues to the treatment team.
• Transport clients (when applicable) as needed (Must have valid Driver's license) If it is part of your duties and you are eligible to drive you must:
• Obey the rules of the department of motor vehicles, department of transportation, and all safety regulations put forth by the State.
• Conduct vehicle and client safety checklists before transporting clients or utilizing the vehicle.
• Transport client afternoon medications in a locked and secure manner.
• Make continuous rounds of the facility, rooms, and grounds, to ensure overall safety.
• Observe and document all medications taken by clients during scheduled medication times.
• Seeks out contraband, and reports any suspicions or findings immediately to their supervisor.
• Proactive in ensuring that the rules of the facility and the rights of the patient are being upheld.
• Communicate and/or resolves issues with housekeeping duties, and upkeep of buildings and grounds.
• Assist with readying rooms and common areas for client admission and discharges.
• Fosters a supportive environment for clients that follows ethical treatment.
• Seeks corrective criticism and has the ability to evaluate suggestions objectively.
• Reports to work per their assigned schedule & maintains acceptable overall attendance.
• Promotes a favorable/positive work atmosphere that is based on a team mentality.
• Completes all required trainings, and attends in-services and educational training as necessary and as assigned.
• Maintains flexibility and adaptability to expected and unexpected changes in the work environment.
• Reports (personal/within the facility) suspected illnesses of contagious diseases to Facility Director.
• Maintains safety of the physical environment.
• Communicates all grievances, incidents, reports suspected Abuse, Neglect, Trauma, or Exploitation, safety issues or breaches to Supervisor.
• Independently solve problems and follow through.
• Functions independently in an treatment program environment.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned.
• Staff who assess individuals with substance abuse, dependence, and other addictive behaviors and who plan services for and deliver services to these individuals have the knowledge and skills to do the following:

Competencies for Staff Assessing Substance Abuse:

• Establish rapport, systematically gather data, determine the readiness of the individual for treatment and change, and apply accepted criteria for diagnosis of substance use disorders
• Screen for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal symptoms
• Screen for danger to self or others (If applicable)
• Screen for co-occurring mental health issues
• Analyze and interpret data to determine treatment recommendations and priorities
• With the individual served, formulate mutually agreed-upon, measurable treatment goals and objectives
• Demonstrate adherence to accepted ethical and behavioral standards of conduct
• Participate in continuing professional development

Note: This does not mean that every staff member must have all of these competencies; rather the total complement of staff together possess all of these competencies.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

Required to maintain up to date certification

• CPR, Verbal De-Escalation, HIPAA, HIV/AIDS, Incident Reporting, Infection Control, Overdose Prevention, and Self-Administration of Medications (when applicable),
• Completes CLIA waived training and follows the guidelines and steps for conducting and collecting samples for tests such as the Urine Drug Screening, a Breathalyzer, a Glucometer, and Pregnancy tests when applicable.
• Ability to work as a team member and have communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and be flexible in relation to department needs
• Knowledge of TJC standards within the Department
• Demonstrates Proficiency in Verbal and written Communication Skills
• Knowledge of State and Federal Statutes Regarding Patient Confidentiality Laws
• Ability to understand and abide by the Drug Free Workplace Policies
• Ability to complete the Harassment and Discrimination training
• Knowledge of Corporate Integrity and Compliance Program
• Knowledge of current technology
• Knowledge of Substance Use Disorder. Can score above a 70% on the SUD Training
• Familiar with community resources, or who in the facility to contact for community resources.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience in customer service, hospital, or treatment program setting.
• A minimum of five years driving experience and a Valid driver’s license and clear driving record approved by insurance carrier. (For drivers)
• Experience in the field of chemical dependency/substance abuse/psychiatric setting or human services field is preferred.
• Complete TB testing upon being hired
• Undergo a Background consent and results prior to hire
• Complete training or certifications in CPR, HIPAA, HIV/AIDS, Verbal De-Escalation, Incident Reporting, Infection/STD Risks, HEP B/C, and Abuse, Neglect, Trauma, and Exploitation, Understanding SUD, and any other training required by the State or the Joint Commission.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position is required to work in indoor and outdoor environments as needed. Potential exposure to violent situations. No potential exposure to airborne/blood-borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.