MAJOR DUTIES: The Behavioral Tech Position works under the supervision of the Program Director. This position provides counseling and case management for individuals at the Involuntary Treatment Program. The Behavioral Health Technician will be responsible for providing specialized intervention and short-term intervention services to adults and older adults experiencing co-occurring acute behavioral health crisis that resulted in involuntary detention, with the goal of stabilization within the least restrictive setting. This position provides clinical services to patients. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. Ensuring the care, safety, and supervision of residents on the therapeutic milieu through positive interactions and direct pro-active supervision.
2. Utilize individualized care appropriate to the specific needs and strengths of residents. Utilize appropriate limit setting and resolution focused de-escalation techniques.
3. Monitor, implement and support the milieu/program and schedule.
4. Collect, record, and summarize data on observable client behavior. Monitor clients according to the assigned levels of observation, provide monitoring of the facility during shift.
5. Facilitating the treatment plan set forth by the treatment team by providing day-to-day support. Will work as part of a treatment team.
6. Facilitate and conduct groups, as designated by the program’s schedule.
7. Collaborate with treatment team including client, parents and caregivers, outside professionals, and co-workers.
8. Attending all training, education and staff enrichment activities; being familiar with the Philosophy, Mission and Objectives of Lifeline
9. Will work with patients to meet the goals on the individual services plan identified activities and goals that are recovery and strength based and meets their unique needs. Acts as an advocate for the needs and rights of every person.
10. Assists in completing admission including:
    1. Orientation to the program, including an introduction to staff, tour of the facility, individual rights and grievances, program schedule, and community agreements. 
    2. Assisting participants with hygeine and clean up using proper infection control procedures.
    3. Reviewing and storing personal property.
11. Partners with each participant to maintain a recovery environment by performing tasks including, but not limited to:
    1. Room Checks.
    2. Conduct safety checks of the unit and records findings as designated.
    3. Helps participants manage any risky behavior and completes required documentation.
    4. Implements contraband policy.
12. Works with participants and treatment team to complete Discharge Planning to ensure community resources and family supports are involved, as requested by the participant.
13. Maintain complete and up to date clinical files that document all services and contacts provided consistent with the requirements of WAC 246-341.
14. Assures incident reports are initiated and completed according to agency policy.
15. Supports and implements agency policies and procedures.
16. Ability to maintain a positive, solution-focused demeanor when responding to conflicts or problems
17. Networks within the community to identify outside agencies and services available to help individuals meet their needs. Establishes and maintains relationships with community agencies and service providers to meet the needs of individuals.
18. Participate in verbal de-escalation and interventions in emergent situations and be willing to assist other team members as needed to maintain a safe and secure environment.
19. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

1. Washington State Department of Health Agency Affiliated Counselor Certification.
2. Current CPR and First Aid and Food Handlers permit, or ability to obtain one within 90 days.

1. Knowledgeable of a wide variety of therapeutic approaches and the ability to set and maintain therapeutic limits. The agency milieu mandates that the incumbent be flexible, versatile and skilled in developing creative behavioral interventions focused on a person-centered recovery approach; 
2. Must be capable of functioning autonomously while maintaining continuous communication with other staff members;
3. A broad knowledge of the stages of human personality development including cultural, social, and psychological factors affecting individuals and families involved with co-occurring acute behavioral health crisis;

1. Be willing to seek to understand individual’s unique circumstances and personal preferences and goals and incorporate them into the crisis response to help individuals regain a sense of control.
2. Have a strong understanding of recovery and resilience, the value of partnerships and individual choice, and the balance between protection from harm and personal dignity.
3. Experience working with individuals who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional behavioral health programs and who may display a wide range of unpleasant and/or unusual behaviors. 
4. Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for individuals.
5. Valid Washington State Driver’s License required including vehicle and appropriate vehicle.
6. Great attendance.
7. Defined knowledge and experience of counseling, rehabilitation, training, and treatment services provided to adults experiencing a crisis.
8. Familiarity with Washington State regulations related to the provision of behavioral health services (RCW 71.05).
9. This position requires shift work and requires the ability to work within a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings.

GUIDELINES

This position requires that the incumbent obtain and maintain Washington State credentials through the Department of Health.

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides services to individuals who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems. Strong clinical skills, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that meet the complex needs of the participants in the Involuntary Treatment Program.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with the members of the treatment team, individuals, significant others and family, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of behavioral health and crisis, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of individual records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the incumbent to provide verbal crisis de-escalation and to respond to aggressive individuals with a calm and collaborative demeanor.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working hours are spent indoors in offices or other meeting rooms or in the milieu. Supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities may be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Program Director