Technician, Behavioral Health

Southeastern Michigan Health Association; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading organization where you will provide critical support as a Mental Health Technician at the Wayne County Adult Correction Facility. In this part-time role, you will monitor at-risk inmates, facilitate therapeutic activities, and collaborate with clinical staff to ensure the well-being of incarcerated individuals. Ideal candidates should have experience in behavioral health and a commitment to promoting mental wellness in a correctional setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in behavioral health, ideally in corrections.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm under stress.
• Basic knowledge of mental health and suicide prevention.

Responsibilities

• Monitor inmates on suicide watch and document behavioral changes.
• Facilitate therapeutic activities to reduce isolation.
• Collaborate with clinical staff for coordinated care.

Skills

Administrative procedures

Customer service principles

Active listening

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 yr. experience in behavioral health

Associate degree in psychology or related field

Job description

Description

LOCATION: Wayne County Adult Correction Facility - Detroit, MI 48211

POSITION SUMMARY: The Mental Health Technician plays a critical role in supporting the mental health and well-being of incarcerated individuals at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Complex. The technician will be responsible for maintaining constant watch over inmates identified as suicidal or at high risk of self-harm, ensuring their safety and emotional stability. When not assigned to constant watch duties, the technician will engage inmates in structured, therapeutic activities to promote social interaction and mental stimulation.

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES:

Suicide Watch and Risk Monitoring (For inmates placed on Constant Watch):

• Provide one-on-one, continuous supervision of inmates placed on suicide watch or identified as high-risk for self-harm.
• Observe and document inmate behavior, interactions, and any changes in mood or risk level.
• Immediately report concerns or behavioral changes to licensed clinical staff and security personnel.
• Follow suicide prevention protocols and ensure the safety of the inmate and the environment.

Engagement and Therapeutic Activities:

• Facilitate and encourage participation in games, conversations, and structured recreational activities designed to reduce isolation and promote mental stimulation.
• Establish a supply of MHU approved games, reading materials, paper activities, such as word searches etc., and facilitate availability and distribution.
• Support the therapeutic environment by building rapport and maintaining professional, empathetic communication with inmates.
• Assist clinical staff in implementing mental health strategies that foster emotional well-being.
• Assist MHP’s and MAT Counselors with setting up group activities including collecting inmates and organizing the physical environment as needed.
• Other milieu supportive activities as assigned by the Mental Health Director.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with clinical, medical, and custody staff to ensure coordinated care and consistent communication.
• Participate in briefings and debriefings regarding inmate mental health status and risk assessments specifically for, but not limited to, inmates ordered on Q 15 watch.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of interactions and observations in accordance with departmental protocols

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

- Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

- Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources

- Active Listening & Learning: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• At least 1 yr. of experience in behavioral health, corrections, or crisis care setting (required).
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to remain calm and observant in high-stress environments (required).
• Basic knowledge of mental health and suicide prevention principles (required).
• Associate degree or coursework in psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related field (preferred).
• Prior experience working in a correctional facility or with justice-involved individuals (preferred).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting/Standing - This position requires the employee to sit for extended periods, with occasional standing and walking.
• Dexterity - Requires sufficient hand-eye coordination to operate office equipment such as computers and telephones.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass a background check and security clearance for work within the Criminal Justice Complex.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Office setting with minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Salary: $20.75 hourly

Employment Type: Part-Time

Classification: Non-exempt (hourly)

Application Deadline: July 25, 2025.

Please contact SEMHA HR Department @ [phone] if you need assistance to upload resume, cover letter, and/or make application online.

** Applicants must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. E.O.E.**** SEMHA is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the SEMHA Human Resources Department. **** SEMHA positions are grant funded and are contingent upon the continued support of the funding throughout the duration of the assignment. **