Behavioral Health Technician

Degree Requirement:

Certificate (Level 2) or Associate's Degree.

Education:

• Graduate from an accredited Psychiatric Technician Program, or equivalent education and experience that meets the requirements of the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience as a Behavioral Health Technician post-graduation.
• Experience as a Behavioral Science Specialist/Technician in the U.S. military with proof of completing an Armed Forces psychiatric technician training course, or equivalent civilian course from an accredited program in behavioral health patient care.

Basic Life Support (BLS):

• Maintain current BLS certification through an American Heart Association and/or Red Cross-approved training program.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Proficient in English, with the ability to effectively communicate with government personnel and healthcare providers.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work as part of a team with professionalism, maturity, and sound judgment.
• Effective communicator with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, including enlisted personnel, officers, senior leadership, spouses, and family members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Security Clearance:

• Minimum Secret Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; TS/SCI clearance is preferred.

Core Duties:

• Conduct or assist in patient treatment and rehabilitation, performing initial assessments, including standardized psychological testing, clinical interviews, mental status examinations, substance abuse evaluations, and psychological and nursing assessments.
• Educate patients on recognizing mental health concerns.
• Observe, monitor, record, and report patient progress.
• Conduct or assist with group and individual counseling interventions, therapeutic community activities, and other related activities in alignment with Defense Health Agency policies.
• Implement precautionary measures to prevent patient injury or suicide.
• Obtain and record vital signs.
• Coordinate with other agencies on care, treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and administrative tasks; contact military and community agencies to obtain collateral information, and explain mental health services to patients and others.
• Assist in or arrange patient referrals to public, private, and military community agencies.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports related to specialty services.