What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead BHT - Alamo position at Copa Health?
Job Summary:
The Lead Behavioral Health Technician directs and manages the daily operations and activities of the assigned programs to comply with all rules, regulations, and policies that apply under the direction of the Program Manager. Provides direct care services to individuals, ensuring safety, support, and therapeutic engagement. In addition to performing BHT duties, the Lead BHT serves as a mentor and role model for other staff, assists with scheduling and training, and supports program operations. This position requires leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle administrative responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide direct support and care to members, including monitoring, skill-building, and crisis de-escalation.
- Assist members with daily living activities, including hygiene, meals, and transportation.
- Facilitate therapeutic activities, groups, and educational sessions.
- Acts as a mentor and resource for BHT staff by demonstrating best practices and providing guidance.
- Lead onboarding and training of new staff, ensuring understanding of policies and procedures.
- Assist the Program Manager in conducting regular team meetings and check-ins.
- Ensure staff coverage and assist with the scheduling and management of timesheets.
- Monitor program environment to ensure safety and report concerns to leadership promptly.
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and contribute to care coordination.
- Collaborate with clinical and medical staff to implement treatment plans.
- Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and external partners.
- Respond to crises and emergencies using appropriate interventions and following protocols.
- Lead debriefings and incident reviews with the team as needed.
- Ensure maintenance of the home is completed in accordance with department standards.
- Responsible for the management of residents’ medications (e.g. maintain supply, supervise passing of medications, and documentation) as applicable per program requirements.
- Consistently monitor the well-being of the individuals served to provide a positive, supportive, and structured environment.
- Safely transport members to and from their living environment and any scheduled appointments.
- Assist in the planning and preparation of menus consisting of well-balanced meals and meeting applicable diet needs as required.
- Assures positive member outcomes by providing exceptional member care and completion of timely documentation of services by meeting optimal engagement and performance standards as outlined by Copa’s policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
- Reports potential infections, infestations, accidents, and incidents completing applicable reporting paperwork and reporting procedures.
- Assists with contributing to treatment planning, teaching and discharge planning.
- Assists with supportive therapy for select members by leading group activities and participates in developing group curriculum for psychosocial and skills groups.
- Performs or assists with the admission of new members by gathering routine information for nursing and clinician assessment, searches patients and belongings for contraband, documents belongings and other appropriate information.
- May support with functions related to kitchen management.
- May functions as a preceptor to new BHTs and BHPPs.
- Adherence to all agency policies, licensure, and training requirements.
- To ensure compliance & adequate services, additional job duties may be required to meet the needs of the program and or department.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum HS diploma/GED and two (2) – three (3) years of relevant experience in a behavioral health setting OR
- An associate degree and one (1) - two (2) years of relevant experience in a behavioral health setting OR
- A Bachelor’s degree (related or non-related) in the behavioral health field plus one (1) year of relevant experience in behavioral health.
- Demonstrated leadership or supervisory in behavioral health preferred.
- Experience in working with multi-cultural and low socio-economic individuals.
- A Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card or eligibility to obtain one within 8 weeks of hire.
- Must have reliable transportation, valid Utah Driver’s License with state minimum insurance coverage and ability to meet and maintain Copa Health’s acceptable driving requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and adapt to changing situations.
- Demonstrate compassion to others by being understanding, sensitive, and empathetic.
- Demonstrate integrity by maintaining a high level of professionalism, honesty, and fairness.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA regulations.
- Uses positive tone of voice and verbiage with co-workers, members, and family members/guardians.
- Ability to maintain a safe and hazard free work environment.
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm, assess behavioral situations, and use the proper de-escalation methods in crisis situations.
- Proficiency in typing, using computer software, i.e., EHR/EMR systems and MS Office and ability to learn new systems as applicable.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, problem solve, and work effectively in an individual and team environment.