Behavioral Health Technician

Description Of Duties

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.

Required Education And Experience

• Education: Degree issuing institution and or program must be accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Associate degree in a behavioral science/specialty field.
• Experience: Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.

Required Licensure / Certification

• Licensure/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.

ATTRIBUTES AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

• 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

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• 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.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.
• Aids 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 policies.
• 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 established standards. Maintain proficiency and accurately utilizes electronic medical records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking or jogging over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy patients or equipment.

About Loyal Source

Loyal Source provides healthcare and technology solutions designed to improve outcomes and support mission-critical operations. Guided by innovation and purpose, we help organizations achieve success across complex challenges worldwide. Loyal Source is a military friendly employer and proud partner of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership program. Loyal Source uses AI-powered voice screening as part of our application process. After you apply, you will receive a brief qualification survey via text or email. Candidates who meet the position requirements will then be invited to complete a quick AI-powered voice assessment. This easy, no-scheduling-required process helps us and the candidate move the hiring process forward faster. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants.