Program Technician I

Behavioral Health Services California; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Behavioral Health Services California is seeking a Program Technician to support daily program operations, monitor patients, and assist clinical and administrative staff. The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and adherence to program policies.

You will help with rounds, drug testing procedures, and maintaining facilities to ensure a clean, compliant environment. Strong clerical skills and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or lived experience may count toward qualifications.
• Well-organized with basic clerical and alphanumeric filing skills.
• Ability to operate Microsoft Office and timekeeping/learning management systems; on hire or within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patient activities and complete rounds to ensure safety and program compliance.
• Conduct searches of patient belongings and living areas per policy for safety.
• Assist with intake, treatment, and discharge processes including documentation and signatures.

Skills

Communication skills

Bilingual abilities

Organization

Clerical skills

Time management

Crisis response

Cultural sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Electronic timekeeping system

Electronic learning management system

Job description

Seasonal PositionStatement of PurposeUnder the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, the Program Technician supports program activities in running smoothly by providing direct monitoring and assistance to patients, assisting clinical and administrative staff, and maintaining the integrity of facility operations. The Program Technician helps uphold a structured, recovery oriented setting by monitoring patient activities, facilitating adherence to program rules, conducting drug testing procedures, and maintaining accurate documentation.Major Tasks, Duties, and ResponsibilitiesMonitor patient activities and complete scheduled rounds, patient checks, etc. to ensure safety, support program compliance, and support treatment progress.Complete patient belonging and living area searches within program policy and protocol to support safety.Aids patients in becoming accustomed to program routine, including but not limited to orientation of new patients.Participate as a support in the intake, treatment, and discharge process including gathering client signatures, filing client documentation, and supporting with data entry as needed.Assures facility and patient living quarters meet cleanliness and repair standards, including assurance of patient completion of activities of daily living.Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed, chart relevant informationSigns patients in and out of facility for passes, etc. as approved by treatment team and/or program management.Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the program.Inventories and orders supplies as needed, with approval of program management, for carrying out job duties.Prepares written reports, shift documentation, etc. as needed and assigned.May accompany patients to activities inside the program or in the community, including but limited to serving as support when a patient has an appointment off premises.Observes patient behavior and report any issues, concerns, or changes to treatment team and/or program management.Provides administrative support to counseling, administrative, clerical, or other program staff as needed.Reports the need for facility and vehicle maintenance and repair to appropriate staffEnsure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc.Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practiceReport and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies.Participate in safety programming to promote client and staff safety. Maintain health and safety standards of facility.Participate in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning.Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.Maintain professional boundaries and standards. Treat clients with respect, care, and concern. Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; perform job duties accordingly. Represent BHS well in all contacts.Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Facilitate client external communication as approved by supervisor.Attend meetings and trainings, and participate in committees as assigned.Other duties as assigned.Program Technician Competencies and Performance ExpectationsAbility to complete the above major tasks, duties and responsibilitiesAbility to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when requiredAbility to recognize and report the symptoms associated with substance use and co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental health, medical health, etc.)Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.Ability to meet productivity standards as assignedAbility to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.Ability to adhere to professional standardsPrerequisite QualificationsThe following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position.Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.Bilingual abilities may be required within certain BHS programs.High school diploma or equivalency, or education may be substituted for up to one year of relevant work experience, training, or lived experience complying with BHS policies & procedures.Well-organized person with basic clerical and alphanumeric filing skills. Preferred background includes human service, and communication skills.Ability to operate required computer programs for position, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, electronic timekeeping system, electronic learning management system, upon hire or demonstrated competency developed within 90 days of employment.