Behavioral Health Technician

Position Overview

Cognito LLC, a Planned Systems International (PSI) joint venture, is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician to support the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) at the El Paso Processing Center in El Paso, TX. As a civilian contractor, you will utilize your skills to provide the safe delivery of high-quality health care to those in ICE custody. The IHSC functions under the supervision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the support of USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers, civil service staff and contractors. Cognito is a Mentor‐Protégé Joint Venture committed to delivering world‐class healthcare. Our team offers competitive compensation packages, a full range of benefits, continuing education, and an excellent work-life balance. Type of Work: Full Time.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive mental health screenings, patient care management, and facilitate basic psycho-educational groups.
• Assist under the clinical direction of a licensed Behavioral Health Provider by collecting health data, observing behaviors and wellness checks, performing sleep hygiene encounters, prompting daily living activities, and educating patients on program guidelines.
• Facilitate therapeutic and psycho-educational groups while providing individual patient care and treatment.
• Assist in developing behavioral treatment interventions such as coping skills, anger management, and self-regulating activities.
• Document clinical observations including mood, affect, sleep patterns, eating habits, and overall functioning.
• Perform wellness checks, crisis management, program schedule coordination (including group and telehealth appointments), and record vital signs during tele-behavioral health sessions or clinical appointments.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and adhere to facility, UHSC, PBNDS, ACA, and NCCHC standards.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a behavioral science or related field.
• AAPT certification at level three within 12 months of hire and current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support or American Red Cross CPR/BLS Course.
• Minimum two years of experience in a mental health clinic or residential healthcare setting.
• Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and maintain current physical and immunizations.
• Sound knowledge of therapeutic communication, psychiatric recovery, and rehabilitation skills.
• Proficiency in conducting clinical mental health screenings and facilitating safety/wellness groups.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with cultural awareness; proficiency in English.
• Ability to navigate electronic health records and commonly used Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, time management, problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• Capability to respond to medical emergencies and perform essential physical tasks as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish-speaking candidates are preferred, but not required.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive total compensation package including paid leave.
• Employer-sponsored group medical, dental, vision; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; AD&D coverage; legal, identity theft, and accident insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings account options for pre-tax savings on qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan with immediate employer contribution match.
• Opportunities for professional growth through courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.