Psychiatric Technician

Decypher; Del Rio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Decypher seeks a Behavioral Health Technician to provide direct patient care and clinical support for individuals receiving behavioral health services. Responsibilities include assessments, treatment, rehabilitation, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams to promote safety and high-quality care.

The role requires graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Technician Program or equivalent, BLS certification, and one year of post-graduation experience. U.S.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Technician Program or equivalent education.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• One year of experience as a Psychiatric Technician after graduation.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct or assist in treatment and rehabilitation of patients with assessments, interviews, and evaluations.
• Identify diagnoses and provide patient education.
• Observe, monitor, record, and report patient progress.
• Conduct group or individual counseling and milieu activities.
• Institute precautions to prevent patient injury or suicide.
• Assist with nutrition, hygiene, and comfort measures.
• Obtain and record vital signs.
• Coordinate with agencies regarding care, treatment, and rehab.
• Explain and interpret mental health services to patients.
• Prepare and maintain treatment records.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Patient care

Documentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Accredited Psychiatric Technician Program

Equivalent education per AAPT or military training

Job description

Join Decypher and make a direct impact on the health and readiness of America’s service members, veterans, and their families. Since 2008 Decypher has offered healthcare industry professionals careers where their expertise is valued, and their work makes a meaningful impact. Decypher partners with the Defense Health Agency to deliver professional services, technology, and management solutions. Our mission is to provide and support quality care for our veterans, service members and their families, across the United States.

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Technician provides direct patient care and clinical support to individuals receiving behavioral health services by assisting with assessments, treatment, rehabilitation, and therapeutic interventions. This role monitors patient progress, maintains accurate medical records, coordinates care with multidisciplinary teams and community resources, and promotes patient safety while supporting the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Graduation from an accredited Psychiatric Technician Program; or
  • Completion of an equivalent education and experience that meets the requirement of the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians or completion of education and experience as a behavioral science specialist/technician in the United States military and proof of having completed an Armed Forces course involving psychiatric technician training or civilian course from an accredited school in the care of behavioral health patients.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS)
• License: N/A
• Experience: One year of experience as a Psychiatric Technician after graduation.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct or assist in treatment and rehabilitation of patients. Perform initial basic assessment procedures including standardized psychological testing, clinical interviewing, mental status examinations, substance abuse evaluations, and psychological and nursing assessment.
• Identify mental health and nursing diagnoses, and provide patient education.
• Observe, monitor, record, and report patient’s progress.
• Conduct or assist in conducting group and individual counseling, therapeutic community, and other related milieu activities.
• Institute precautionary measures to prevent patient injury or suicide.
• Assist patients with nutritional, hygiene, and comfort measures.
• Obtain and record vital signs.
• Coordinate with other agencies regarding specified care, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and administrative functions.
• Contact military and community agencies to obtain collateral information.
• Explain and interpret mental health services to patients or others.
• Assist in, or arrange patient referral to public, private, and military community agencies.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports pertaining to specialty services.
• Assist with care of individuals experiencing acute and post-traumatic stress reactions.
• Prepare and maintain treatment records.

Work Environment & Schedule

On site at JBSA - Lackland, 0700-1600, Monday through Friday. Employees will work 9-hour shift, which includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch each day, not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Physical requirements

Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, and reach for extended periods; lift and move up to 25 pounds occasionally; assist patients with mobility and activities of daily living; respond quickly during behavioral health emergencies; use manual dexterity to operate medical equipment and document patient care; communicate effectively with patients and staff.

Decypher is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce (M/F/D/V).