Behavior Health Technician

Job Title: Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) 

FLSA:  Non-Exempt

Reports To:  Administrative Director and Clinical Supervisor of IBHS

Department:  IBHS

Summary

The goals of the Behavioral Health Technician are to implement the Individualized Treatment Plan providing intensive, individualized interventions to the child, youth, or young adult experiencing serious emotional, developmental, or behavioral needs in order to prevent more restrictive placements or services. The BHT documents client behavior and implements the psychosocial rehabilitative interventions as specified in the client's treatment plan. Services are provided in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to home, community, school, or activity center. The BHT should have the ability to resolve crisis and conflict situations and develop positive relationships with clients.

In addition to the details and requirements for the employee listed below, Laurel Life. expects the employee be committed to incorporating principles of trauma informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles in trauma treatment will be required through attendance in trainings and use of identified evidence based practices. Trauma informed care includes cultural sensitivity and emphasizes a safe and respectful environment for all clients and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide specific interventions to assist a child in decreasing behaviors of concern, developing age-appropriate daily living skills, and increasing social and cultural interaction skills with his or her peer group, family and other social groups or settings.

Provide support to parents and other responsible adults in their efforts to provide direct supervision of the child, therapeutic structure, and limits.

Complete interventions as outlined in the child, youth, or young adult's individualized treatment plan.

Document client activities, behavioral data and progress for every period of service. May need to prepare professionally written summaries and documents describing a client's behavior and progress in achievement of treatment plan goals.

Develop cooperative relationships with community agencies that will facilitate treatment services provided to all clients.

Work as a positive team member supporting the team's mission and goals, consistently working in a trusting and cooperative manner with fellow team members and supporting the team's common operating approach.

Accepts professional responsibility and serves as a role model for positive, pro-social behavior; modeling respect, responsibility, integrity, empathy, impulse control, emotional self-awareness, and professional boundaries.

Demonstrates commitment to professional growth by attending all required meetings, trainings and organizational trainings.

Attends individual and group supervision.

Candidate will have to successfully complete and maintain certification of ESPI training. ESPI techniques are only used in compliance with Laurel Life policy and procedure and within guidelines established by third-party experts in the proper and legal use of ESPI.

Maintain an active valid driver's license issued by state in which they reside and must immediately notify their supervisor or Human Resources if their license is suspended or revoked for any reason.

May perform other special projects or duties.

Skills

Good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to develop effective and meaningful relationships with clients. Must be able to remain calm in a crisis situation, identify underlying causes of problem situations, resolve conflicts, and de-escalate potentially explosive situations. Must be a team player.

Educational and Background Experience

Qualifications must meet one of the following:

1.  Certification as a BCaBA

2.  Certification as a RBT

3.  Certification as a BCAT

4.  Have a behavior health certification or behavioral analysis certification from an organization that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American National Standards Institute.

5.  Have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma and have a completed a 40-hour training covering the RBT Task List as evidenced by a certification that includes the name of the responsible trainer who is certified as a BCBA or BCaBA.

6.  Have a minimum of 2 years of experience in the provision of behavioral health services.

Behavioral Health Technician personnel will have an updated Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance, Act 34 Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Background Check, and Act 31 CPSL Mandated Reporter Training prior to working alone with a child.

Working Conditions

Work settings can include, but are not limited to, school buildings, home, community, church, activity centers, or extended or kinship family home. Working hours vary based on the child's medical necessity for service. Working hours are primarily during the academic year, and summer hours vary based on needs of the child. Evening and weekend hours may also be required. The amount of hours and location is determined on a case by case basis and can increase or decrease based on medical necessity. Working conditions during community and/or recreational programs may involve physical activities. Clientele may at times be verbally or physically abusive.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required or personnel so classified.

This job description is not intended to be a contract of employment with the employee. The employee covered by this job description is an at-will employee of Laurel Life.