The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is responsible for the well-being of our Clinic patients who struggle with a variety of addiction and behavioral problems. The BHT works closely with patients and medical staff, assisting in the areas of medication observation, and medical appointment scheduling. They observe and document patient behavior, assist in the treatments, and maintain a safe, secure, and supportive clinic environment. The BHT role involves observing and charting patients, collecting lab samples, preparing medical data for clinical staff, and providing education for prescriptions and medication management. The role requires knowledge of addiction and behavioral health medications, attention to detail, and accurate documentation abilities. BHTs are required to uphold ethical and policy stipulations in their role. This position works in acute settings that address crisis mental health and substance use care between a crisis setting as well as in an outreach setting with a multidisciplinary.

Provide High Quality Direct Care

• Provides a safe and supportive environment for patients and their families.
• Listens to Patients and/or family worries with a non-judgmental and positive attitude.
• Understands and implements rules, observes & records patient behavior, and provides a safe, supportive environment for the patients and clinic staff.
• Assure basic comfortable conditions for patients are maintained.
• Speaks to Patients in a respectful and calming manner, even if clients are agitated. Employs basic techniques of motivational interviewing by meeting people where they are in their readiness to change.
• Assists in coordinating patient activities at the Clinic by encouraging, monitoring, and observing patients; collects and records data on patient behavior; records medications and assists in daily activities.
• Maintains patient headcounts and schedules; ensures that all activities of the treatment program proceed as planned.
• May help patients with day-to-day activities and record their progress for analysis by a Provider during scheduled checkups.
• Provides crisis intervention as needed. Being vigilant and ready to intervene when the situation requires it through verbal,de-escalation techniques; dealing with conflict, and aggressive behaviors; and ensuring the well-being of patients and staff.
• Carries out clinical assessments and other administrative duties per the clinic protocols.
• Attends meetings with patients and provides support as needed
• Encourages the patient to maintain recovery post-discharge and potentially follow up with them after leaving the facility to ensure bridging to referred services.
• Maintains professional boundaries with patients, family members, and staff at all times.
• Maintains both patient rights and confidentiality at all times
• Conducts, if appropriate, room and bag searches of clients both upon admission and at random in a respectful manner, according to policies and procedures.
• Requires working in a 24x7 model and must be available to work night and weekend shifts.
• Maybe cross-trained/scheduled to work in the Clinic, phone, and/or on a mobilecrisis team with law enforcement.
• Acts in a manner that protects the integrity of the mission of the Health Care District’s mission.

Collaborate with Appropriate Systems Involved with Patient Care

• Assists in the client intake process through transportation coordination, community orientation, and appropriate intake paperwork; may escort patients into the Clinic or to Hospitals providing emergency treatment.

Serve on Interdisciplinary Team, Collaborate to Ensure All Patients Receive Appropriate Care

• Assists other employees by relaying instructions, coordinating efficient workflow, and requesting information as needed.
• Maintains good communication, both written and verbal.
• Communicates patient needs and behaviors to immediate supervisor and clinical team as necessary.

Complete all Administrative Tasks/Functions Appropriate to Role to Support Operations

• Performs patient registration inelectronic health records (EHR) and completes all daily adequate documentation and required data fields; accurately charts observations using correct charting format and terminology.
• Pursues professional development through participation in education and training programs, suggested and required by employer.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Certificate, Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• One (1) year experience as a Behavioral Health Technician or Substance Abuse Treatment field or similar role preferred.

Certification:

• Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) certification or the achievement of this certification within 2 years of employment.
• Current ACLS or BLS and CPR certification/training preferred.

Licensure:

• Valid Florida’s driver’s license is required.
• Ability to pass background checks, driver's license checks, and drug screens.

Registrations:

• N/A

Training:

• Knowledge of Microsoft applications is required. Ability to use HCD Applications after applicable training.

Health Care District of Palm Beach County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. We embrace diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.