BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN/DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF

Accountable to: Program Director / Administrator
Qualifications: General – Certified by a Nevada Licensed physician within 6 months prior to employment to be in good health including freedom from communicable disease, including tuberculosis in the communicable form, according to acceptable screening methods of the Department of Health Division.

Education/Experience – High School Diploma. Prior personal or work experience with the Developmentally Disabled / Autistic Spectrums, Behavioral modification experience preferred.

Abilities – In addition to the responsibilities detailed in this job description, the BHT must be able to:
1. Understand the needs of the young Adults with Developmental Disabilities and, in particular, the needs of those with cognitive impairments, mental illnesses and Traumatic Brain injuries.
2. Be sensitive to the needs of families and caregivers;
3. Be available to work unscheduled days and hours;
4. Make commitment to cooperative performance to attain care , organization and programmatic objectives which may entail performing duties not included in this job description.

Responsibilities of the Behavioral Health Technician/DSS
The BHT/DSS is responsible for providing personal care under the supervision of the Lead Behavioral Health Tech & Program Director and for assisting with Activities of Daily Living, meals, activities, behavioral modification, behavioral interventions, activities and housekeeping functions of the program. Responsibilities include:
1. Observation of each participant listen to concerns, record their observation and report immediately any changes in their condition or any unusual behaviors to Lead BHT/DSS, Program Director and or QIDP/Nursing.
2. Under the supervision of the Lead BHT/DSS, QIDP/Nursing, or Program Director, assisting with Activities of Daily Living including taking participants to the toilet that need
assistance at scheduled times (every two hours) which includes continent care, transferring or lifting from wheelchair to commode or changing bed.
3. When behavior changes, BHT/DSS must be able to assess whether the changes are negative, positive or dangerous and take steps to modify participants actions.
4. BHT/DSS has responsibility to maintain safety for themselves and the participant. This may involve restraining violent participants with caution and assistance, and should ALWAYS be the last resource.
5. BHT/DSS must be able to emotionally support participants, remain calm, professional and use interpersonal skills to defuse a volatile situation.
6. Assisting with ambulation those with assistive devices such as walkers, cane and wheelchairs.
7. Housekeeping duties to prevent the spread of infection and sanitation of facility.
8. Taking care to prevent breakdown of the participant’s skin.
9. Assisting with meal service and assisting /feeding assigned participants to eat their meals and informing Nursing when participants are not eating or adequately or taking fluids.
10. Documentation on Intake and Output log for each client.
11. Assist in emergencies as directed by the Lead BHT/DSS, Program Director and QIDP/Nursing.
12. Daily straightening of the participants personal belongings in storage cabinets.
13. Assisting with program activities when not performing the above duties.