Human Service Technician - Behavioral Health Specialists : Job Details

Job Title: Human Service Technician

Department: Residential

Reports To: Program Director/RS Supervisor/ Lead Recovery Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Description

The Recovery Specialist observes, guides, redirects and assists residents in learning and practicing new behaviors, including responsibility with assignments and chores. This position ensures a clean and safe environment for clients and staff, communicates with all staff on the status of residents. The techs document observations of residents and assure compliance with house and program rules/procedures.

Roles & Responsibilities

Recovery Specialist/Client Services:

• The RS will complete intakes with new client admissions, including completion of all proper documentation, searching, and orienting of the new clients. This includes verifying insurance and/or payer source and ensures the intake is completed per the work-flow process including the release of information forms from the client.
• During the discharge of the client, the RS assists with discharges to ensure the client will be transferred to the next of care. This includes inventory, discharge instructions, and/or applicable information for the client to be successful.
• The RS may, at times, prepare/serve meals and supervise cleanup/sanitation of the dining/kitchen as directed. This includes supervision of chemicals and/or food safety policies and procedures. Transport/schedule clients to on-going appointments and meetings while in treatment. The RS will assist as needed with the care of the clients while teaching them Activities Daily Living Skills.
• The RS conducts regular/situational room/chore checks/searches with access of the facility. The RS may perform searches on the clients and have them perform drug screens.
• For the overnight shift, The RS must understand the Nebraska Medicaid Eligibility System (NMES) to determine clients Medicaid eligibility.
• The RS must understand the Credible Electronic Health Record system. This includes the following: Intakes, Referrals, EMAR, Service List, Documentation (Scanning), “Home Page Links”, “Inpatient” tab, and/or other sections as directed by supervision. The RS will handle shift notes daily while achieving the agency's mission on client care. This includes observations of the clients and/or any other documentation that is related to the client's mental health and substance use disorders.
• The RS can provide suggested interventions for inappropriate/unacceptable behaviors by helping residents identify what s/he needs and new ways of handling the situation and/or to the behavior with a follow up to the client's therapist. This includes de-escalation techniques, trauma informed care, and/or other behavioral health courses as directed by the Clinical Director and/or designee.
• The RS is responsible for supervising community meetings, whether in-house or outside meetings.
• The Recovery Specialist identifies/documents changes in clients affect and behavior by completing shift notes in the E.H.R system, and notifies other staff as needed.
• Following training, the RS will complete new patient admissions/discharges and proper documentation of medication. The RS will observe and record client's self-administration of medication.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Successful completion of background checks/references including a valid driver's license. The driving record must be in accordance with the agency's guidelines.
• If in lived substance abuse recovery, two years of continuous sobriety/ “clean time” is required and maintained throughout employment.
• Willing to obtain a flu shot annually (except for those allergic to the vaccine or who have a religious exception) or must wear a mask when agency deems appropriate due to times of high illness.
• Must comply with agency policies and procedures, including those regarding conduct, confidentiality, and record keeping.
• Attain/maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.
• Willing to workdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have completed 40-hour med aid class and keep license active.

Education and/or Experience

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have demonstrated skills and competencies in treatment with individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis, demonstrated by at least one of the following: Bachelor's Degree or higher in psychology, sociology or a related human service field (preferred), one year of coursework in the human services field, or two years of recovery experience with demonstrated competencies and skills in the treatment of individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies): To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies) requirements are listed below: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The RS will file, photocopy, scan and upload documents, shred and organize files as required, with the ability to answer a multi-line phone system in a professional manner and direct callers appropriately. The RS possesses basic computer knowledge to navigate email, spreadsheets, and Credible. The primary knowledge of Credible is indicated by the roles and responsibilities.
• Knowledge and understanding of 42 CFR confidentiality laws regarding management of records is required, as well as knowledge of substance use disorder and the recovery process.
• Must have the ability to connect, influence and relate to people through adaptive communication, empathetic listening, and conflict resolution skills. The RS responds calmly in highly emotional situations. Ensure they have addiction knowledge and be able to demonstrate the communication of recovery/addiction.
• The RS must be able to maintain boundaries with clients and must possess emotional intelligence skills. This includes controlling behavior and/or communication to the clients while maintaining accountability.
• The RS must demonstrate teambuilding skills and provide a positive culture throughout the facility while maintaining accountability.
• The RS must demonstrate organizational skills throughout the process, such as but not limited to, intakes, shift notes/Credible, Inpatient tab, CDS, NMES (as applicable) and/or other roles and responsibilities. This includes entering clients into the system, verifying eligibility, discharges, and/or other responsibilities as directed by supervision.
• The RS will have knowledge of the agency policies and procedures, with the ability to understand and implement the agency P&P expectations.
• The RS must have knowledge of the Medication Management policy and be competent in the processes, policies and procedures.