Program Technician

Statement of Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director/Supervisor, the Program Technician supports program activities in running smoothly by providing direct monitoring and assistance to patients, assisting clinical and administrative staff, and maintaining the integrity of facility operations. The Program Technician helps uphold a structured, recovery oriented setting by monitoring patient activities, facilitating adherence to program rules, conducting drug testing procedures, and maintaining accurate documentation.

Major Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Monitor patient activities and complete scheduled rounds, patient checks, etc. to ensure safety, support program compliance, and support treatment progress.
• Complete patient belonging and living area searches within program policy and protocol to support safety.
• Aids patients in becoming accustomed to program routine, including but not limited to orientation of new patients.
• Participate as a support in the intake, treatment, and discharge process including gathering client signatures, filing client documentation, and supporting with data entry as needed.
• Assures facility and patient living quarters meet cleanliness and repair standards, including assurance of patient completion of activities of daily living.
• Perform toxicology testing, take and record vitals as needed, chart relevant information
• Signs patients in and out of facility for passes, etc. as approved by treatment team and/or program management.
• Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the program.
• Inventories and orders supplies as needed, with approval of program management, for carrying out job duties.
• Prepares written reports, shift documentation, etc. as needed and assigned.
• May accompany patients to activities inside the program or in the community, including but limited to serving as support when a patient has an appointment off premises.
• Observes patient behavior and report any issues, concerns, or changes to treatment team and/or program management.
• Provides administrative support to counseling, administrative, clerical, or other program staff as needed.
• Reports the need for facility and vehicle maintenance and repair to appropriate staff
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including but not limited to DMH, DHCS, SAPC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, CARF, etc.
• Respond to behavioral crises, medical emergencies, suicidal ideation, overdose including administration of anti-overdose medications as needed, or acute intoxication safely, within scope of practice
• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies.
• Participate in safety programming to promote client and staff safety. Maintain health and safety standards of facility.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, case conferences, and program planning.
• Contribute to agency quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
• Maintain professional boundaries and standards. Treat clients with respect, care, and concern. Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; perform job duties accordingly. Represent BHS well in all contacts.
• Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Facilitate client external communication as approved by supervisor.
• Attend meetings and trainings, and participate in committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Program Technician Competencies and Performance Expectations

• Ability to complete the above major tasks, duties and responsibilities
• Ability to demonstrate professional judgment and decision-making, including ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required
• Ability to recognize and report the symptoms associated with substance use and co-occurring disorders (i.e., mental health, medical health, etc.)
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc.
• Ability to meet productivity standards as assigned
• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.
• Ability to adhere to professional standards