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Planned Systems International · 4 weeks ago

Behavioral Health Technician

Taylor, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

Cognito LLC, a Planned Systems International (PSI) joint venture, is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support the ICE Health Services Corps at the T. Don Hutto Detention Center in Taylor, Texas. The role involves providing comprehensive mental health screenings, patient care management, and facilitating psycho-educational groups to ensure the safe delivery of high-quality health care to detainees in ICE custody.

Software

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

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

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

Assists 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 IHSC policy

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 UHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards

Maintain proficiency and accurately utilizes the IHSC electronic health records

Qualification

Behavioral health interventionsMental health screeningsPatient care managementElectronic health recordsCrisis managementTherapeutic communicationPatient safety monitoringCultural awarenessSpanish-speakingInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsProblem solvingActive listening

Required

Associates degree in a behavioral science/speciality field

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

Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting

Ability to pass background check and drug screen

Current physical and immunizations

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

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