Residential Technician - Men's Home

Job Title: Residential Technician-Male 

Job Code: RESTECH 

Department: Residential Support 

Division: Behavioral Health 

Salary Level: Non-Exempt 4 

Reports to: Residential Supervisor 

Last Revised: January 2022 

Primary Function 

The Residential Technician at the Residential Support Program has primary responsibilities 

including: Coordinate and provide a quality residential environment that delivers optimal 

support to individuals involved in a residential substance abuse treatment setting. Provide 

daily supervision of and interactions with the clients of the treatment program. 

Communicate regularly with other staff to ensure adherence to the treatment plan goals for 

clients. 

Job Description 

 Supervision of male specific residential living quarters for all shifts. 

 Works with all patients in clinical settings. 

 Regular and predictable attendance is an essential requirement of this position. This 

position may require nights/weekends shifts. 

 Consistently adheres to, enforces, and effectively implements agency and program 

policies and procedures and keeps current of any changes in policies and 

procedures. 

 Accurately accounts for the whereabouts of each client by conducting and 

documenting facility whereabouts in accordance with agency policy and 

procedures. 

 Maintains an active presence in the facility by conducting frequent circulations of 

the facility. Checks for unsafe conditions and facility cleanliness. Documents and 

corrects conditions/takes steps to correct conditions as required. 

 Completes scheduled activities including, but not limited to: intakes, observing 

urine drug screens, cottage searches, and emergency drills (fire, etc.) in accordance 

with established policies and procedures. 

 Supervises the daily activities of clients while in the facility to include, but not 

limited to: medication administration, work units, therapeutic activities, and 

recreation, visitation, and meal times. 

 Intervenes as necessary to protect clients from injuring other clients, staff, and/or 

themselves according to policy. 

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 Effectively communicates emergencies in a timely manner to co-workers and the 

Residential Supervisor and the Residential Treatment Manager as required. 

Completes required documentation in an accurate timely manner. 

 Observes and collects urine specimens in accordance with Agency policy and 

procedure. Ensures collection information is entered in the EHR in an accurate and 

timely manner. 

 Monitors client visitation periods. Terminates visitation according to program 

procedures as necessary. 

 Ensures outside individuals, visitors, guests, public law enforcement and safety 

personnel sign the appropriate documents (e.g., sign-in sheets, confidentiality 

agreements, etc.). Asks for identification to ensure accountability. Informs guests 

of the rules around visitations. 

 Conducts searches for contraband (e.g., pat downs, lockers, etc.) in accordance with 

Agency policy and procedure. Properly documents all searches. Follows chain of 

custody issues with regard to contraband. 

 Complies with Agency medication policy and procedures. Accurately maintains 

related records (e.g., logging, inventory, counts, and audits). Immediately reports 

any discrepancies to the Residential Supervisor and Residential Treatment 

Manager. 

 Assists in obtaining shift coverage if taking time off. 

 Remains awake and alert while on duty to ensure responsiveness to staff, client, 

and/or facility needs. 

 Transports clients as directed and follows agency standards, rules, regulations, and 

all laws for safe transport. 

 Monitors Agency vehicle use and maintenance needs and accurately reports any 

problems to appropriate staff. 

 Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients as outlined in Agency Code of 

Ethics, Relationships with Clients, Former Clients, and Notification Requirements, 

and other policies. 

 Expresses empathy regarding client situations as appropriate. 

 Maintains telephone coverage during hours on duty. Answers calls courteously and 

professionally, directs calls appropriately, and takes accurate messages as 

necessary. 

 Interacts professionally with employees, visitors, guests, law enforcement, court, 

and safety personnel. 

 Facilitates groups as assigned or directed. 

 Obtains required training hours on an annual basis. 

 Attends staff meetings and required training sessions. 

 Complies with all Agency security standards, including procedures and electronic 

equipment/devices. 

 Communicate essential information to staff and solicit feedback/input from staff; 

Promote and encourage communication between clinical, supervisory and 

residential staff; Conduct routine supervisory meetings. 

 Ensure compliance with Joint Commission Behavioral Health standards, rules and 

regulations. 

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 Ensure new residents are oriented to the program. Oversee staff follow-through on 

resident care plans and support for supervision of residents. Respond to complaints, 

concerns and requests in a timely and effective manner. 

 Works with program staff to conduct satisfaction surveys from current and former 

residents. Provide information received regularly to management. Respond to 

satisfaction surveys when possible. 

 Represent Cherokee Indian Hospital Behavioral Health Services at community 

events, position related activities, and meetings. 

 Interface with staff (Manager, Cultural Coordinator, Therapists, etc.) to provide and 

implement quality activities for the residents utilizing creative and cost-effective 

ideas that target the varied interests of residents, providing recovery-based 

interventions. Produce and circulate Activity Schedules. 

 Document all treatment and clinically significant events for the medical record in 

the manner prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures. 

 Follow all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for 

maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including 

EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, JCAHO, CFR 42, or other licensing bodies. 

 Work with the CIHA maintenance staff to ensure the cleanliness, maintenance and 

repair of facilities, grounds, furnishing, equipment and vehicles. 

 Participate in treatment program cross training, in order to assist with fulfilling 

other programmatic needs, such as work units supervision, kitchen, housekeeping, 

maintenance/grounds, client supervision, intake/discharge coordination, etc. This 

position will assist in various capacities as needed. 

 Operate in a support role as assigned in the Beauty for Ashes program and services 

 Others duties as assigned. 

Education / Minimum Qualifications 

Required 

 Must be male to ensure gender specific job requirements. 

 High School Diploma or equivalent required. 

 Certification or ability to obtain Certification in First Aid/CPR. 

 Demonstrated ability to communicate in verbal and written formats to meet position 

requirements. 

 Computer skills including use of Microsoft Office. Ability to learn and use 

Electronic Medical Records, and other software programs as needed. 

 Ability to work independently with flexible hours. 

 Must possess valid drivers' license. 

Preferred 

 Specific experience working with Native Americans. 

 Certified Peer Support Specialist. 

 Work experience in a licensed residential setting. 

Job Knowledge 

 Ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical record and other software such 

as Microsoft office, payroll processing and reports. 

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 Considerable originality and initiative are required in the daily performance of 

tasks. 

 Considerable knowledge of principles, techniques, and practices of social work, 

social policy, services and supports which are effective for recovery from substance 

abuse and psychiatric symptoms. 

 Considerable knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral and psychosocial 

problems and their treatment. 

 Considerable knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources 

in the community. 

 Considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies, which govern the 

program. 

 Considerable knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and their 

treatment. 

 Significant knowledge of substance abuse to include diagnostic criteria for abuse, 

dependence, intoxication and withdrawal of all drug classifications, methods of 

evaluation and assessment, impact of mental illness on patients ability to negotiate 

treatment recommendations, current treatment approaches, modalities of care, and 

substance abuse and other programs or services available to patients. 

 Skill in establishing rapport with clients and families. 

 Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues of 

other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources 

and organizations in the community. 

 Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work 

effectively. 

 Ability to ascertain the potential lethality of a situation, respond, and refer 

accordingly. 

Complexity of Duties 

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources that best 

meets the constantly changing needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret 

policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions when a precedent is not available. 

Duties require the application of clinical judgment and problem solving skills in order to 

be effective. Judgment often involves decisions that may have life or death results. At times 

may be dealing with individuals who are highly agitated, emotional, or out of touch with 

reality. 

Supervision Received 

Works under the direct guidance of the Residential Technician Supervisor and Residential 

Treatment Manager where goals, objectives, policies, and procedures are well defined. 

Works independently within applicable licensing regulations where latitude for creative 

thinking, initiative and discretion are given to achieve department goals and objectives. 

Responsibility for Accuracy 

Most clinical errors would be detected with proofing and review procedures. Failure to 

properly manage and direct activities could result in ill will for the department, delays in 

patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health 

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planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting 

access to necessary resources. Accuracy of data and research is critical in the allocation of 

tribal resources. Responsible for the adherence to policy and procedure. Inappropriate 

actions or inaccuracies in judgment could result in improper diagnosis and treatment, 

serious liability for the tribe, or more serious health risks to patients. 

Contact with Others 

Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, stakeholders and other health 

professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing 

assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards and 

advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to 

maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality is required 

when dealing with patients and families. 

Confidential Data 

The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate 

confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to patient 

records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost integrity to safe 

guard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of 

patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy, HIPAA, and 

other federal law requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in 

disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations. 

Mental / Visual / Physical 

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times given the complexity of the 

duties, management and supervision of staff and the clinical areas being addressed with the 

people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. 

Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups 

and deliver training for extended periods. Some physical exertion and stamina is required 

such as required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have visual acuity, manual 

dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. 

 Position requires to stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); 

talk or hear (over 2/3 time). 

 Weight lifted or force exerted none. 

 Special vision requirements: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less). 

Environment 

The employee works primarily in a hospital, inpatient or outpatient clinical environment 

but may be required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves 

moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant 

chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and 

protocol for maintaining sterile conditions. Some travel is required. Infrequent overnight 

travel may be required for meetings or to attend training. 

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Emergency Privileges 

In the case of an emergency, any member of the Medical Staff, to the degree permitted by 

his/her license shall be permitted to do everything possible to save a patient’s life or save 

a patient from serious harm, regardless of the individual’s clinical privileges. This shall be 

defined as those situations in which a delay could result in serious harm or death and in 

which a more qualified member is not immediately available. 

Customer Service 

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by 

demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. 

Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out 

opportunities to be of service.