Behavioral Health Technician

Title:  Behavioral Health Technician

Department: Operations

Status: Non-Exempt

Position Classification/Category: Operations

Level: N/A

Location: Assigned Clinic/Float

Hourly Pay Range:

Reports To: Behavioral Health Program Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

Summary of Position

Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Program Manager, the BH Tech helps to facilitate patient care in the clinic environment. S/He is an essential part of the care team from the onset of the visit until its completion. The BH Tech may be involved in both the clinical and administrative areas. S/He is one of the primary guides for the patient through the appointment process. Tasks assigned to this role are both clinical and clerical. BH Techs are responsible for capturing and documenting clinical and demographic information and accurately documenting this material in the electronic health record.  BH Techs are responsible for effective communicating with patients, providers and staff in multiple settings.

Minimum Qualifications

Ability to communicate in English and Spanish (preferrable, but not required) accurately and concisely both verbally and in writing. Interacts in a professional and patient-centered manner with patients.  Able to work cooperatively with internal staff to deliver safe, effective, quality care to all patients. Able to plan, prioritze and complete assigned tasks with a high level of accuracy.  Ability to work well under time constraints while maintaining accurate records.

·         Experience: 2 years of related work preferred, Mental or Behavioral Health experience preferred.

·         Additional skills required: Knowledge of medical office protocols/procedures.  Knowledge of medical terminology.  Familiarity with basic computer operations.

·         Travel required- Ability to travel to all CRCHC locations and assist at all CRCHC special population clinics.

Additional skills: Bilingual/Spanish (Highly preferred)

Education: High school diploma or GED. Associate or bachelor’s degree in medical or behavioral science preferred but not required.

Certification(s)/Licensure: CPR and BLS required. Behavioral Health Technician Certification preferred, but not required.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

·         Continuous walking, standing and moving about.

·         Frequently bends, kneels and crouches.

·         Frequently lifts, pushes or otherwise moves and positions patients or other objects, exerting up to 50 lbs.

·         Repetitive movement of hands and fingers – typing and/or writing.

·         Talk and  hear.

·         Possible exposure to hazardous fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, bodily fluids, etc.

Key Responsibilities

1.       Fulfill patient care responsibilities as assigned that may include checking schedules and organizing patient flow to ensure patient visits are started in a timely manner; greet and escort patients to provider rooms; prepare for the provider-patient encounter by obtaining a comprehensive health history and vital signs; perform required screenings per established guidelines. 

2.       Maintain accurate documentation in the patient’s electronic health record based on established documentation procedures.

3.       Assist in telephone triage and follow-up calls with patients as directed by the provider or Behavioral Health Program Manager. 

4.       Under the direction of the provider and/or Behavioral Health Program Manager, assist with patient health education and follow-up on established patient plan(s) of care

5.       Fulfill clerical responsibilities as assigned including but not limited to the following: obtaining lab/X-ray reports, hospital notes and referral information. Complete forms/requisitions as needed; verify patient demographics.

6.       Maintain safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following and enforcing established policies and procedures.

7.       Maintain patient confidentiality and protect operations by keeping protected health information confidential and secure.

8.       Monitor Behavioral Health Clinician and Psychiatry schedules with reminder calls, no show follow up process and scheduling appointments.

9.       Monitor the Psychiatry referral inbox for completion of new patient appointments and to schedule new patient appointments.

10.    As requested, communicate with treatment facilities and outside referral sources. 

11.    Assist Providers with communicating with patients regarding medications, symptoms, referrals, appointments, and paperwork.

12.    Participate in mandatory in-services and drills, attends staff meetings and other trainings, including appropriate age specific educational trainings offered on regular basis for professional development. 

13.    Maintain strict adherence to infection control guidelines established by the organization.

14.    Participate in quality improvement activities by initiating or contributing to monitoring, measuring, analyzing, improving and/or controlling program goals, objectives and/or services.

15.     Support current incentive, regulatory, and certification requirements (such as Meaningful Use, PCMH and UDS) through documentation, participation in initiatives, and other activities as directed.

16.  With input from the provider, assist patients with linkage to community resources, including but not limited to, transportation, housing, food, and substance abuse treatment.

17.    Perform other duties as assigned.