Behavioral Health Technician

Basic Purpose of the Job

The Behavioral Health Technician serves a vital role in day-to-day operations.

The BHT is the primary provider, in supervising and attending to the safety and daily needs of the clients, while maintaining a therapeutic environment.

Essential Functions

Participates in the Client’s Daily Planning Routine

Supervisors, coaches, and mentors the client during meals, dressing and personal hygiene, monitors cleaning of room, chores, and life tactical skills

Provides structure, discipline, and security in meeting the needs of the clients

Serves as an adult role model and a source of feedback to the clients

Supervises and Monitors Clients at All Times

Provides positive interaction with the clients and demonstrates appropriate de-escalation techniques

Demonstrates effective communication skills with clients and co-workers

Demonstrates professional ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality with the clients

Demonstrate respect and care of the clients and the ability to be open-minded and nonjudgmental with clients

Maintains awareness of diversity and youth culture

Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills/ability to work as a team

Serves as a role model and source of feedback to the clients

Supervises and keeps clients within sight and sound requirements at all times.

During sleeping hours, checking clients every 10 minutes

Intervenes in crisis situations using the approved Ukeru Approach.

Reports to work at scheduled times and remains on duty until replacement is on

shift: Documents significant client behaviors and significant contact with client

Assists in the overall cleanliness of the campus: Perform assigned cleaning or maintenance duties; monitors client’s rooms and chores on a daily basis; maintains cleanliness of staff offices

Administers prescribed medication, documents, and observes its effects. Must have appropriate training and certification if required to administer medications

Supervises clients during chapel services and serves as an adult role model

On-call duties required as needed

Reports critical incidents to DFPS verbally within 12 hours, written within 24

hours: Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels

Implements Saint Francis Ministries policies and follows directives as required.

Follows and adhere to all pertinent Saint Francis Ministries Standard Operating

Procedures (SOP’s), rules, personnel policies, and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state, and local rules, statutes, regulations, and all contractual terms

Ensures clients’ rights are protected

Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures

NON-Essential Functions

Other duties as assigned

Will participate in a minimum of 40 hours in-service education per year

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent

First Aid/CPR

Must be 21 years of age

Must pass a drug screen and TB Skin Test

FBI Fingerprint Check

Submit to a Criminal History and DFPS History Check

Pass a Centralized Background Check through the Texas Health and Human Services

Eligibility and any background checks deemed to be necessary

Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Lifting requirements of 50 lbs.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Mandated Reporter

Flexible to changing situations, staff, and clients

Sensitive to the needs of youth and their families

Basic understanding of childhood development, treatment, and defense mechanisms

Understands child therapeutic techniques and how this impacts the client

Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of

the position

Handles multiple priorities

Manages emotions and can make decisions under pressure

Manages stress appropriately

Works alone effectively

Works effectively in close proximity to others and/or in a distracting environment

Works effectively with others /teamwork

Understands and practices Universal Precautions