Behavioral Health Technician

Planned Systems International, Inc.; Taylor (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician to join their team in providing high-quality healthcare to individuals in custody. This role involves conducting mental health screenings, facilitating educational groups, and ensuring patient safety and compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in behavioral health, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to patient care. Join a supportive and professional environment that values your growth and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation and opportunities for continuing education. Make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while advancing your career in this fulfilling role.

Benefits

Paid Leave

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan with Employer Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a behavioral science/specialty field required.
• 2 years of experience in mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health screenings and patient care management.
• Facilitate psycho-educational groups and monitor patient compliance.
• Document clinical observations and assist in crisis management.

Skills

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Active Listening

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Cultural Awareness

Education

Associate's Degree in Behavioral Science

Tools

Electronic Health Records (eHR)

Job description

Overview

Cognito LLC, a Planned Systems International (PSI) joint venture, is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) in Taylor, Texas.

As a civilian contractor working for Cognito, you will utilize your abilities as a Behavioral Health Technician to provide the safe delivery of high-quality health care to those in ICE custody.

• Be a Part of the Team: Cognito is a Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture between QuarterLine Consulting Services and Resolution Think, committed to providing high-quality service to our customers and delivering world-class healthcare.
• The Benefits: Our team offers competitive compensation packages, a full range of benefits, continuing education, and excellent work-life balance to ensure your success.
• Type of Work: Full Time
• Location: Taylor, Texas

Essential Functions and Job Responsibilities

The ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) exists within the organizational structure of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Officers, civil service staff, and contractors comprise the healthcare professionals working together to provide quality healthcare services. IHSC serves as the medical experts for ICE for detainee health care.

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, completes medical records documentation in electronic Health Records (eHR), and coordinates follow-up care for mental health patients under the direction of the BHP.

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.
• Facilitates 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.
• Conducts crisis management in emergent situations through sound judgement and team collaboration according to standardized facility procedures and IHSC policy.
• Conducts program schedule management to include: group schedules, telehealth appointments, and individual check-ins.
• Chaperones and obtains/records 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.
• Adheres to UHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards.
• Maintains proficiency and accurately utilizes the IHSC electronic health records.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree: Associates degree in a behavioral science/specialty field.
• Certification:
  • American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) certification at level three within 12 months of hire.
  • Maintains current BLS for Provider through American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Experience: Two years of work experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• Credentialing: Ability to pass background check and drug screen. Current physical and immunizations.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.
• Spanish-speaking candidates are preferred, but not required.

Physical Demands

• The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking or jogging unaided over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy patients or equipment.
• The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as agility and dexterity, visual, and hearing capabilities.
• Must be able to respond to any medical emergency in the facility, via foot, within four minutes and perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
• Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging detainees or staff exiting the building during an emergency.

Company Benefits

PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer-sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

EEO Commitment

It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing [e-mail], or by dialing 703-575-8400.