Behavioral Health Technician | Bayou Vista

About the role

Odyssey House Louisiana, Inc. is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Technician for its Adult treatment (Fairview) and Women’s and Children Shelter (Claire House). Behavioral Health Technicians provide direct supervision of clients in treatment, working closely with clinical, medical, and other staff to ensure clients receive comprehensive substance abuse treatment services. This position requires direct client supervision 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Schedule

Shifts are 7pm–7am for Fairview and 7am–7pm for Claire House, with every other weekend required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe environment for clients.
• Use empathetic and therapeutic communication skills.
• Observe and de-escalate volatile situations or distressed clients.
• Document all unusual or noteworthy client behaviors.
• Assist with therapeutic and recreational activities.
• Monitor clients’ physical and mental well-being.
• Provide input on client progress to the interdisciplinary team.
• Oversee facility activities when no professional staff is on duty.
• Assess volatile situations to prevent client elopement.
• Act as a client advocate at all times.
• Monitor client compliance with daily schedules and ensure safety.
• Manage client resources such as cigarettes, toiletries, or other needed items.
• Monitor and facilitate client phone access per schedule.
• Respond to all emergencies, including medical, weather, and fire, following policy and procedure.
• Communicate verbal and written feedback about client activity to clinical and medical staff.
• Monitor family visits, including video conferencing, and report maladaptive behaviors.
• Complete Incident Reports before the end of each shift.
• Engage in client activities on and off the main campus.
• Conduct urine drug screens, breathalyzer tests, pregnancy tests, COVID tests, and vital signs after competency training.
• Monitor in-house 12-step meetings, whether self-led or facilitated by a third party.
• Perform client bed checks every 30 minutes or as directed by nursing staff.
• Document client status on flow sheets per organizational policy.
• Transport clients safely, maintaining a valid chauffeur’s license and following agency policy.
• Submit shift reports to the BHT Supervisor and/or Program Manager as requested.
• Contact BHT Supervisor or Program Manager in case of fire or evacuation.
• Conduct client searches, including strip and property searches for new clients or those returning from outside activities (no cavity searches).
• Assist with other program functions, including transportation and front desk monitoring.
• Distribute cigarettes to clients as scheduled, requiring presence in smoking areas.
• Collect, wash, and dry client bed linens as assigned.
• Perform all other assigned duties.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of CPI de-escalation training.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and flexible hours.
• Candidates in recovery must have 2+ years of sobriety.
• 2+ years of Behavioral Health Technician experience in acute psychiatric and substance use disorder treatment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (social work, psychology, education).
• 3+ years of Behavioral Health Technician experience in acute psychiatric care.
• Knowledge of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous principles.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life, long-term, and short-term disability insurance.
• Leave benefits.
• 401k match.

Pay

Competitive compensation.