Behavioral Health Technician

Alternative Community Resource Program, Inc; Johnstown (Cambria County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A behavioral health service provider in Cambria County seeks a Behavioral Health Technician to support children aged 3-21 with psychiatric conditions. The role involves engaging families, developing treatment plans, and implementing interventions in various settings. Candidates should have relevant certifications or training. This position requires clear communication and strong organizational skills. Competitive compensation with opportunities for training and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 2 years of provision of behavioral health services required.
• Completed 40-hour training covering the RBT Task List.
• Clear communication with clients, supervisors, and families required.

Responsibilities

• Engage families in the treatment process through reflective listening.
• Contribute to the individual treatment plan based on strengths.
• Build a therapeutic relationship to engage the client.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Active listening skills

Professionalism

Initiative

Responsiveness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification as BCA, BA, RBT, BCAT

Job description

Overview

The primary functions of a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) are to facilitate the development of social competencies and the emotional development of children, youth, and young adults ages 3-21. The goal is to help the child achieve maximum overall functioning and prevent the need for out-of-home or alternative school placement. BHT services are provided to children diagnosed with a psychiatric condition who present with significant social, emotional, developmental or behavioral problems. Services are individualized, focusing on the child’s strengths, with a primary goal of building competencies for success in social, family and community settings and developing meaningful community connections to build resiliency and long-term benefit. Interventions may be therapeutic, supportive, and competency/skill-building and vary in method/modalities. Services take place in various settings, including in the home, community or school, and use an eco-systemic approach to establish collaborative relationships with the family and community resources. The BHT will work with individuals to transfer skills and strategies learned back to parents or other guardians. Reports To: Program Director.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the ability to engage families in the treatment process through reflective listening, collaboration, empathy and consideration of cultural, ethnic, and religious beliefs. Build a therapeutic relationship to engage the client and effect beneficial change.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the child’s individual treatment plan and crisis plan by communicating strengths, coping skills and protective factors to the Behavior Consultant/Mobile Therapist.
• Use strength-based approaches and a positive attitude in dealing with the child and family.
• Provide effective one-on-one interventions with the child/family in all identified settings noted in the treatment plan. If interventions are not effective, communicate with the Behavior Consultant/Mobile Therapist and seek consultation.
• Show initiative by using personal ideas and working with the Behavior Consultant/Mobile Therapist to develop therapeutic activities for the child and family.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach child and family specific skills and competency development, engaging the child and family in activities, interventions and community-based activities.
• Engage child/family in community activities and programs as indicated in the treatment plan; communicate with the Behavior Consultant/Mobile Therapist and family.
• Engage the child in specific interventions from the treatment plan during each session.
• Request assistance in implementing therapeutic interventions, if unclear.
• Engage parents or other extended family members in interventions to transfer skills and foster positive child/parent relations.
• Work in a team relationship with the Behavior Consultant/Mobile Therapist and other treatment providers to provide a collaborative treatment system; communicate successes and failures of interventions, participate in supervision, and be available for regular consultation.
• Respect the rules and policies of the institutions where the treatment will be delivered (including schools, daycares, and community programs).
• Build a positive and collaborative relationship with teachers and appropriate staff in the schools and programs where services are provided.
• Engage teachers or staff in interventions to transfer skills and communicate input from schools to the Behavior Consultant/Mobile Therapist.
• Collect data as requested in the treatment plan and ensure data collection is meaningful; communicate with the Behavior Consultant/Mobile Therapist.
• Attend and participate in all required supervision and training sessions to meet state guidelines.
• Complete a daily progress report for each encounter with the child and submit completed paperwork within required timeframes; ensure records meet funding source and clinical documentation requirements. Billing should be reviewed before submission to the director to ensure accuracy.
• May be required to transport the child and family when appropriate and approved by supervisor; maintain necessary insurance coverage and update HR records accordingly.
• Adhere to the policies and standards set forth by ACRP and the employee handbook.
• Ensure receipt of agency communications by checking email at least twice per day and respond in a timely manner.
• Use services per the written order for each child and maintain all scheduled appointments with the family and child.
• Complete required reports to Childline and other agencies as necessary.
• Work in collaboration with Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, Administrative Staff and Quality Assurance Director to monitor quality assurance and other protocols for effective program management.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education/Experience:

• Provision of behavioral health services: 2 years (required)
• Have a certification as a BCA, BA, or;
• Have a certification as a RBT, or;
• Have a certification as a BCAT, or;
• Have a behavioral health certification or behavioral analysis certification, or;
• Have a high school diploma or the equivalent and have completed a 40-hour training covering the RBT Task List as evidenced by a certification that includes the name of the responsible trainer, who is certified as a BCBA, or BCABA

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Communication skills: transmits information clearly, in writing and/or verbally; communicates with clients, supervisors, and families clearly and consistently
• Customer service skills: always puts the client first
• Problem-solving skills: demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making
• Organizational skills: uses an organized approach to job responsibilities
• Active listening skills: consistently uses good active listening
• Professionalism: acts with professionalism and integrity in all work environments
• Initiative: takes initiative and is proactive
• Responsiveness: attentive to needs of internal and/or external clients
• Ability to clearly communicate, both written and verbally
• Ability to follow and maintain confidentiality and safety policies

Required Clearances:

• Act 31, 33/34 clearances
• Valid PA Motor Vehicle Operator's license
• All necessary child abuse clearances (PA Criminal Record Check, PA Abuse Clearance, and Federal Criminal History Clearance)

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend and move about the facility
• Ability to carry out proper restraints to prevent the client from harming themselves or others; adhere to agency policy on restrictive behaviors
• Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
• Ability to safely go up and down stairs
• Ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces

Disclaimer and Acknowledgement

Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of Alternative Community Resource Program.

Acknowledgement: I have read and understand the job requirements, responsibilities and expectations set forth in the job description provided for my position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential job functions as outlined with or without any reasonable accommodations.