Behavioral Health Technician

Job Description:

Job Title: Behavioral Health Technician

Location: St. Louis, MO

Department: SUD Services

Employment Type: Full-time

Shift: Rotating shifts, including evenings and weekends

Job Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Behavioral Health Technician in our St. Louis County Residential Treatment Programs.

In this crucial role, you will provide support and assistance to clients/patients with substance use and mental health disorders, ensuring their safety, well-being, and progress throughout their treatment journey.

As a Behavioral Health Technician, you will work closely with the treatment team, adhering to program expectations and policies. You will participate actively in identifying client strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences, while documenting exceptional behaviors and areas of concern. Your responsibilities will include assisting in the admission and orientation process, coordinating incoming calls, and responding to crisis situations as needed.

St. Louis, MO, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a welcoming environment for both personal and professional growth.

The Behavioral Health Technician position offers…

All-Inclusive Employee Benefits Package

• A robust full-time employee benefits package encompassing health, dental, vision, retirement, disability, life insurance, wellness program, and more

Telemedicine

• 24/7 phone, web, or mobile app medical, behavioral health, & dermatology visits

Employee Assistance Program

• 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost

Paid Time Off

• 29 days per year including vacation & holiday pay

Workplace Culture

• An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement

Mileage Reimbursement

• Company paid for work functions requiring travel NHSC Approved

• Eligible site for tax-free student loan assistance

Top-notch Training

• Initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career Mobility

• Advancement opportunities and promoting from within

Welcoming, Warm, Supportive

• A work culture and environment that promotes your well-being, values you as a human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Key Responsibilities:

Admit, supervise, monitor, transfer, and discharge clients/patients

Ensure monitoring of vital signs, signs and symptoms of withdrawal, and escalate for medical intervention when critical symptoms present

Obtain and record vital signs and relevant medical symptoms per policy or as indicated by medical personnel

Oversee medication administration per policy and procedure, and as permitted by appropriate training certifications/permissions

Adhere to all medication policies, working with nursing staff to ensure compliance

Maintain accurate records of client medications and document self-administration or staff administration

Monitor client self-administration of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, inventory, and storage

Document client's reported blood glucose levels and maintain agency-approved equipment

Report medication errors and discrepancies per agency policy

Follow Medication Storage and Destruction Policy & Procedure

Screen and monitor clients for signs and symptoms of withdrawal to ensure safety and recovery needs are met Facilitate client supervision checks per policy, procedure, or safety/precautions plan

Encourage clients to adhere to program expectations and rules, communicating concerns to the treatment team

Participate actively in the treatment team, identifying client strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences

Document exceptional behaviors, areas of concern, client interactions, and progress

Assist in the admission and orientation process, including obtaining vital signs and safety searches

Facilitate urine collection, testing, lab send-offs, and document in the client record

Operate telephone system, record messages accurately, place calls as necessary, and respond to crisis calls

Assist, educate, and redirect clients in performing daily activities

Monitor client activities and document relevant activities and progress

Ensure all clients are accounted for and present in scheduled activities

Foster adaptive behavior in clients by encouraging positive social interaction and role-modeling a solution-focused approach

Ensure precaution protocols are adhered to and appropriately documented Assist in monitoring general health conditions of clients, facilitating communication with the supervisor or treatment team

Prepare and facilitate group rehabilitative support, education, recovery skills, or recreation groups as scheduled and assigned

Provide client transportation as needed to and from appointments

Maintain behavior consistent with the Organization Code of Conduct and program philosophy

Complete all mandatory trainings within the required time frame and State Regulatory/CARF Standards

For Residential Care Facility (RCF): Assist clients with personal care (e.g., grooming, bathing, dressing) when needed Become credentialed as a Level 1 Med Aid (LIMA) and be Insulin Certified within the first ninety (90) days in position

For Illinois Only: Serve in on-call for shift coverage

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of confidentiality laws governing substance use and mental health disorder treatment

• Capable of communicating ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to produce clear and concise reports

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals

• Ability to perform basic mathematical operations

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence

• Ability to speak effectively with clients, employees, family members, and community contacts

• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammatic instructions

• Basic keyboarding skills and ability to navigate and enter notes within electronic medical records

• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables within standardized situations

• Ability to establish rapport with client population while maintaining appropriate boundaries

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• High School education OR equivalent and two (2) years of responsible employment

• Experience in Human Services or related field preferred OR

• Exceptions to the qualifications may be made by the appropriate Executive Team member

St. Louis County Programs:

• Bachelor's Degree OR

• MAADC I or II

Required License/Certification:

• Valid Driver's license in state of residency with an acceptable driving record

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age to operate a company-owned vehicle

• Must be at least twenty-three (23) years of age to operate a company-owned fifteen (15) passenger van

• First Aid certification within three (3) months of beginning employment and upon renewal date

• CPR certification within three (3) months of beginning employment and upon renewal date

For Adolescent program only:

• Within six (6) months of employment, receive training on adolescent behavior, family dynamics, communication skills, incest, sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse, stress management, and the effect of peer pressure

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.

Preferred Family Healthcare is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.