Behavioral Health Technician PRN (1 to 3 shifts a week as needed, great entry position)

Job Title

Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Department:

Nursing/Operations

Operating Unit:

Detox, Residential Treatment

Reports To:

Shift Nurse, Director of Nursing

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Approved By:

Kristi Bierbaum, COO

Approved Date:

4/5/2021

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER is to offer the highest quality and professional, Inpatient Detoxification, Residential Treatment, Partial Hospital Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Outpatient services.

We are committed to treating patients and their families with the highest regard and respect as clients work toward reaching their highest growth potential in their recovery process. This is accomplished through the strict adherence to the highest ethical standards of care and policies and procedures set forth by the Lousiana Department of State of Health Services and the Joint Commission.

• UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER ensures all clients are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity regardless of race, creed, age, sex, handicaps, or sexual orientation.
• UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER employees are competent and responsible personnel who adhere to a strict code of professional ethics which include but are not limited to the prohibition of fraternization with patients, exploitation of clients, or any criminal behaviors.
• UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER provides clients with accurate and complete information regarding the available services including the program rules, regulations, goals and objectives of the program.
• Appropriate availability of alternative treatment modalities is made at any time before during or after treatment if they are requested or the client’s needs are out of the scope of our practice.
• UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER will ensure that discharge from treatment is conducted in accordance with Louisiana rule standards.
• UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER provides both Louisiana and Joint Commission environment of care standards.
• UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER will take all necessary and appropriate measures to maintain individual client records and information in a confidential and professional manner.
• UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER strives to maintain positive relations with the surrounding community and pursues every reasonable action to encourage responsible client behaviors and community safety.

SUMMARY 

The Recovery Advocate at UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER is responsible for performing advanced indirect and selected direct patient care duties in support of the clinical process in a competent manner under the direction of the program director or manager and for performing related clerical functions.

AGE/PATIENT POPULATION(S) SERVED

Age of Patient Population Served:  Adult (18 & older)

Population Served:  Persons meeting DSM5 criteria for substance use disorders with or without co-occurring psychiatric illness

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL EMPLOYEES

• Adheres to all UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER Policies and Procedures
• Conducts self in a manner that represents UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER values at all times
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude with all work-related contacts
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about departmental and UPRISING ADDICTION CENTER concerns
• Consistently reports to work on time, prepared to perform the duties of the position
• Meets productivity standards and performs duties as workload necessitates

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Delivers appropriate indirect and selected direct patient care at a competent level as directed by a program manager and/or director, physician, registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse within the scope of approved Recovery Advocate skills inventory according to the needs/age of the patient/population served; collaborates with other members of the healthcare team to plan, expedite and promote quality patient care; employs critical thinking skills when identifying and responding to patient needs.
2. Performs, monitors and documents vital signs. Collects urine drug screens on all admissions and random UDS on all RTC, PHP and IOP patients, as appropriate. Attends facility/community meetings and groups, conducts Program Orientation, searches belongings, collects unauthorized items to be placed in a secured area; conducts patient rounds and perimeter checks every thirty minutes to ensure the safety of all patients.
3. Observes clients self-administer medication according to physician orders and/or pharmacy label.  Documents if any reasons for refusal, side effects and complaints concerning medication and immediately notifies Operations by end of shift by preferred method of communication. 
4. Checks the integrity of all medications brought onto the unit that are prescribed by an outside provider, family and/or client and verifies medication through the use of PDR. 
5. Monitors clients whereabouts and documents any significant client issues within the daily shift notes and immediately notifies Operations by end of shift by preferred method of communication.
6. Ensures safe care to patients adhering to policies, procedures, and standards of care,
7. Promotes individual professional growth/development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education/skills competency; supports department goals which contribute to the success of the organization.
8. Performs basic housekeeping duties during course of shift, including but not limited to, cleaning rooms and bathrooms (toilets, sinks, showers), cleaning microwaves, cleaning dirty utility rooms, doing laundry, sweeping and mopping floor, trash collection, making beds, etc.
9. Performs other duties and tasks as required.
10. When required to transport patients:
11. Prior to transporting patients, ensure that there are no alert signals active (i.e., check engine light, TMPS system, etc.) and that tires are properly inflated in accordance with manufacturer standards.
12. Accompany and transport patients as assigned.
13. Arrives promptly and ensures patients prompt arrival for appointment.
14. Follows vehicle operation rules.
15. Practices defensive driving techniques
16. Be able to verbalize protocol for transportation safety and for management of out-of-control behaviors.
17. Reports to Nursing or Lead BHT concerns and/or issues related to clients transportation.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES (ADULT, 18yrs+) 

1.     Allows patient to maintain control; involves patient in decision-making and planning of care, as appropriate to condition and situation.

2.     Encourages participation in care.

3.     Demonstrates clinical knowledge of expected adult vital signs.

4.     Recognizes abuse/neglect potential.

5.     Encourages family support.

6.     Recognizes/respects concerns over interruption of work/plans/separation from family, etc.

7.     Recognizes fears regarding potential life style changes.

8.     Encourages verbalization of fears and anxiety; maintains age-appropriate communication  

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• High School diploma or equivalency or 1 year work experience preferably in the field of chemical dependency and/or behavioral health.
• Preferred: Experienced as a BHT, Director Care Staff or Behavioral Health or Mental Health Technician, preferably in the field of chemical dependency and/or behavioral health.
• To transport patients: Must possess a valid,  driver’s license and have a clear driving record.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of industry standards as related to the position of BHT.
2. Basic knowledge of PC software programs, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred.
3. Written and oral communication skills; must be able to concentrate on work amid distractions such as noise, conversations and foot traffic
4. Must maintain self-control in volatile or hostile situations such as when verbally or physically confronted in an aggressive manner
5. Must be able to work independently with little supervision in an unstructured environment with multiple demands
6. Must possess a reading and writing level that provides for clear expression and/or understanding of assignments related to job description.
7. Ability to represent the program well in interactions both inside and outside the facility

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand or sit for extended periods of time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The job requires frequent contact with water (hand washing and cleaning) and working with body fluid and hazardous chemicals. When under these working conditions, OSHA standards and universal precautions must be followed at all times.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal to high volumes of stress.

EEOC STATEMENT:

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a), prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibiting discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.