Behavioral Health Technician

Resolution Think LLC, through its joint venture partnership, Cognito Systems, LLC, is seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Technician to support operations for the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC). IHSC exists within the organizational structure of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Healthcare professionals, including USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers, civil service staff, and contractors, provide quality healthcare services to detainees.

About the Role

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides comprehensive mental health screenings, patient care management, and facilitates basic psycho-educational groups. Responsibilities include patient education, segregation wellness checks, sleep checks, behavioral observations, and compliance coaching for medical and mental health patients. The BHT consults with the Behavioral Health Provider (BHP) to monitor patient compliance, promote safety, and enhance patient engagement within an integrated therapeutic care environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing direct services to assigned population, including health data collection and behavioral observations.
• Perform wellness checks, sleep hygiene encounters, and prompt activities of daily living as directed.
• Provide health and general program education, patient support, and monitor patient safety and risk.
• Escort behavioral health detainees to appointments as required.
• Observe patient behaviors during programming and recreation activities.
• Maintain knowledge of behavioral health interventions, including psychotropic medications and their side effects.
• Facilitate basic therapeutic and psycho-education groups (e.g., processing groups, alternative programming).
• Provide direct individual patient education, care, and treatment.
• Assist in developing behavioral treatment interventions such as coping skills and anger management.
• Gather patient care information to assist providers with diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management.
• Document clinical observations of patient behavior, including mood, affect, mental sharpness, sleeping/eating patterns, and overall functioning.
• Perform medical housing unit and special needs monitoring and wellness checks.
• Conduct crisis management in emergent situations through sound judgment and team collaboration.
• Manage program schedules, including group schedules, telehealth appointments, and individual check-ins.
• Chaperone and record vital signs for tele-behavioral health and other clinical appointments.
• Maintain proficiency in the IHSC electronic medical record and adhere to IHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards.
• Pursue professional development through in-service education, workshops, conferences, and self-study.

Requirements

• Associate degree in a behavioral science or specialty field.
• Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) certification at level three within 12 months of hire.
• Current certification in either American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) or American Red Cross CPR/BLS.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of therapeutic communication and psychiatric recovery/rehabilitation skills.
• Ability to conduct clinical mental health screenings and facilitate skill-building exercises.
• Ability to coordinate instructional recreational activities.
• Cultural awareness and ability to respond to the needs of diverse populations.
• Proficiency in navigating electronic health records, web-based training, and communications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English to develop rapport with patients and stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Knowledge of HIPAA/Privacy Act regulations regarding patient confidentiality and Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).

Schedule

This full-time position requires availability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Specific hours will be determined by facility mission needs. IHSC operates 24/7/365, and this position may require response during emergency activations. On-call availability is not required.

Security and Other Requirements

• The Department of Homeland Security’s Personnel Security Unit (PSU) must render an Initial Preliminary Favorable Fitness Determination for consideration.
• A Complete Favorable Fitness Determination must be rendered by PSU upon completion of background investigations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain assigned security clearance.

Physical Demands

• Long periods of standing, walking, or jogging over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
• Recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities.
• Recurring lifting of moderately heavy patients or equipment.
• Ability to respond to medical emergencies within four minutes and perform CPR/emergency care while standing or kneeling.
• Ability to assist sick, injured, or aging detainees or staff during emergencies.