Behavioral Health Assistant I

Compensation

Why you’ll love it here!

HOPE. COMPASSION. COMMITMENT. The Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) strives to provide Oklahoma youth and families the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. Our mission is to collaborate with youth, families, and community partners to create pathways for success through prevention and treatment for all Oklahoma Youth.

'This position is a safety sensitive position as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8 (K)(1)(i)(2) due to providing direct childcare. Therefore, those applicants testing positive for marijuana will not be hired even when in possession of a valid medical marijuana license.'

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family assist patients in performing their daily activities, monitor
recovery progress toward treatment goals, observe their personal and social behaviors and perform de-escalation activities where applicable. This position provides support and
assistance to mental health professionals clinicians and staff. This includes providing
day-to-day care and living assistance to patients and keeping accurate records.

Typical Functions
The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit and organization, but may include the following:

• Monitors recovery progress toward treatment goals; performs de-escalation activities.
  participates in recovery, wellness and social skills groups; and develops and manages other group activities
• Establishes an effective, collaborative relationship with all consumers, works with a
  treatment team and maintains healthy boundaries with consumers
• Utilizes active listening and problem-solving skills to assist consumers to identify barriers to recovery and to assist in the development of a plan to meet determined goals
• Utilizes appropriate decision-making related to treatment of consumers of mental health and/or substance abuse services, including but not limited to identifying relevant behaviors/activities and managing group dynamics
• Participates in DMHSAS-sponsored Consumer Recovery Specialist Certificate Program
• Supports the department and facility in reducing incidents of seclusion and restraint
• Instructs Therapeutic Options, CPR and other required trainings
• Coaches' consumers in coping with troubling circumstances/stimuli as well as de-escalated situations using both verbal and non-verbal approved skills and techniques
• Develops and manages group activities such as social skill development; conducts strengths assessments to promote recovery and wellness
• Records observations and activities
• Provides care to a vulnerable population which requires employees to adhere to all
  applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to consumer rights
  regulations, confidentiality laws, and accreditation requirements associated with this
  position and field
• Monitors recovery potential and progress toward treatment goals; performs 15-minute rounds
• Performs direct care duties along with escorting consumers to and from court and medical appointment, meal breaks, recreation, etc. ensuring staff and consumer safety

Level Descriptor
Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others.

This is the basic level of the job family, where employees are primarily responsible for performing routine entry level work in a training status to build their skills related to consumer recovery. Assignments at this level are well detailed and prescribed by the supervisor. Under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional or registered nurse, this position works as a part of the treatment team by developing and maintaining a supportive relationship with consumers to address strengths, goals and barriers to recovery.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required include knowledge of trauma-informed care; of mental health and substance abuse prevention treatment and recovery programs or goals; and of basic computer skills.

Ability required is the ability to follow oral and written directions and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience
This position includes administering assessments for youth involved with the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. This position requires a bachelor’s degree and the completion of graduate level course on mental health assessment.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position, possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license at time of appointment and be willing to be on-call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Office of Juvenile Affairs has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

Must be able to pass background check, drug screening and finger prints.

A trial period of 12 months will be required.

** Please call the Service Desk at 405-521-2444 if you have issues with accessing your Workday account.

**For additional information/questions regarding the job posting, benefits and additional career opportunities, please contact Sheryl Liepins at 405.620.6495 or sheryl.liepins@oja.ok.gov **

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.