SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

Under the general supervision of the Residential Director, Residential Manager, or designated Residential Team Lead, the Residential Technician provides direct residential support, supervision, and assistance to individuals receiving behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, crisis stabilization, and other applicable residential services.

The Residential Technician promotes a safe, structured, clean, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented living environment that supports residents in developing independent living skills, maintaining personal safety, achieving individualized treatment goals, and transitioning toward the highest appropriate level of independence.

The position serves as a positive role model, teacher, mentor, and partner in residents’ daily activities rather than functioning solely as a caregiver. Residential Technician observes and reports changes in residents’ behavior, emotional status, physical condition, and functioning; supports treatment plan implementation; maintains timely and accurate documentation; and communicates relevant information to the interdisciplinary treatment team.

The position is responsible for maintaining compliance with Edgewater Health policies and procedures, applicable Indiana laws and regulations, confidentiality requirements, safety protocols, and relevant contractual, licensing, funding, and accreditation standards, including applicable Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA), CARF, HRSA, and HUD requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Resident Supervision and Direct Support

• Provide continuous supervision and support consistent with the assigned residential program, resident needs, individualized service plans, facility procedures, and prescribed staffing requirements.
• Maintain a safe, structured, respectful, and therapeutic residential environment that promotes dignity, autonomy, recovery, and community integration.
• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, budgeting, organization, and other independent living skills, as appropriate to the program.
• Encourage residents to participate in household responsibilities, recreational activities, educational opportunities, vocational development, and community-based activities.
• Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal, communication, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills to serve as a positive role model.
• Respect residents’ individual preferences, cultural backgrounds, abilities, personal boundaries, rights, and reasonable accommodation needs.
• Monitor resident whereabouts and activities in accordance with program requirements, authorized leave procedures, safety plans, and supervision expectations.
• Support residents’ transition planning, community integration, and development of skills necessary for greater independence.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and refrain from personal, financial, social, or other relationships that create actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Behavioral Health Monitoring and Crisis Response

• Observe residents for changes in mood, behavior, mental status, physical condition, functioning, and interactions with others.
• Recognize and promptly report signs of emotional distress, psychiatric decompensation, substance use, intoxication, withdrawal, self-harm risk, suicidal or homicidal ideation, aggression, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other safety concerns.
• Immediately notify the designated supervisor and appropriate clinical personnel when intervention is indicated.
• Follow established emergencies, suicide prevention, crisis response, elopement, missing-resident, overdose, fire, severe weather, and other incident-response procedures.
• Contact emergency medical services or law enforcement when warranted by the circumstances and applicable policy.
• Provide first aid within the employees’ training and certification and within the scope of permitted duties.
• Use approved de-escalation and crisis prevention techniques. Restraint, seclusion, or other restrictive interventions may only be used when legally permitted, specifically authorized by program policy, and performed by appropriately trained personnel.
• Document incidents, unusual occurrences, resident refusals, behavioral changes, interventions, notifications, and outcomes in accordance with established reporting deadlines.
• Protect residents from abuse, neglect, exploitation, retaliation, discrimination, and unsafe practices; promptly report suspected or actual incidents through required reporting channels.

Treatment Plan Implementation and Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Assist residents in working toward established individualized treatment plan, recovery plan, service plan, and independent living objectives.
• Implement assigned interventions and provide support consistent with instructions from authorized clinicians and supervisors.
• Coordinate with clinicians, care coordinators, nurses, prescribers, case managers, and other authorized members of the interdisciplinary team regarding resident needs and progress.
• Provide factual observations regarding residents’ behavior, participation, skill development, barriers to progress, and response to interventions.
• Participate in resident staffing meetings, treatment planning meetings, shift handoffs, case conferences, and other required program meetings.
• Report changes in resident functioning, identified risks, unmet needs, and barriers to treatment promptly.
• Support referrals, appointments, transportation, community resources, and follow-up activities as assigned.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and refer clinical questions, treatment decisions, and matters outside the position’s authority to qualified personnel.

Medication Support and Health Monitoring

• Assist residents with medication-related activities only as permitted by Indiana law, applicable program regulations, the employee’s qualifications, and Edgewater Health policy.
• Administer medications only when legally authorized, appropriately trained, and assigned to do so. Otherwise, provide only the level of assistance specifically permitted by law and policy.
• Follow established medication storage, security, administration, monitoring, documentation, disposal, and error-reporting procedures.
• Observe and promptly report suspected adverse medication effects, medication refusals, missed doses, discrepancies, suspected misuse, and other medication-related concerns.
• Never independently prescribe, change, discontinue, or recommend changes to prescribed medication regimens.
• Assist with minor health-related needs only within established protocols and the employee’s training.
• Notify the appropriate nurse, clinician, supervisor, or emergency responder when a resident’s condition requires additional assessment or intervention.
• Maintain required medication training and credentials, including QMA or other applicable authorization, when required for assigned duties.

Documentation, Records, and Confidentiality

• Complete accurate, objective, individualized, and timely shift documentation, including resident observations, activities, participation, interventions, progress, incidents, and significant changes in condition.
• Complete all required progress notes and shift records before the end of the assigned shift unless an approved exception applies.
• Document services actually provided, including the date, time, relevant observations, actions taken, resident response, and required notifications.
• Enter documentation into the designated electronic health record or approved documentation system, such as NextGen, when applicable.
• Never falsify, backdate, copy forward inaccurately, omit material facts, or complete documentation for services not provided.
• Protect confidential resident information in accordance with HIPAA, applicable federal and Indiana confidentiality laws, 42 CFR Part 2 when applicable, and Edgewater Health policies.
• Access, use, and disclose resident information only for authorized job-related purposes.
• Immediately report suspected privacy breaches, lost records, unauthorized access, or documentation system problems through established procedures.
• Complete required incident reports, communication logs, medication records, census records, checklists, and other program-specific documentation.

Residential Facility Operations and Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean, sanitary, orderly, and safe residential environment.
• Participate in routine housekeeping, laundry, cleaning, sanitation, and upkeep of common areas and assigned resident spaces consistent with resident rights and program procedures.
• Assist with menu planning, grocery lists, food preparation, meal service, and supply inventory.
• Follow applicable food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and special-diet instructions.
• Monitor food, household supplies, equipment, and emergency supplies and report shortages.
• Conduct assigned safety checks and environmental inspections in accordance with facility policy.
• Identify and promptly report equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, hazards, security concerns, and needed repairs.
• Follow fire safety, evacuation, emergency preparedness, infection control, and workplace safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate facility logs, maintenance reports, and other required operational records.

Transportation and Community Activities

• Transport residents to appointments, community activities, treatment-related services, and other approved destinations when assigned.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, required automobile insurance, and any other driving qualifications required by Edgewater Health.
• Operate personal or agency vehicles safely and in compliance with applicable traffic laws and organizational procedures.
• Complete required vehicle inspections, mileage records, passenger documentation, and incident reports.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries during transportation.
• Immediately report vehicle accidents, safety concerns, or transportation-related incidents.

Resident Rights, Ethics, and Regulatory Compliance

• Protect residents’ rights to dignity, privacy, informed participation, confidentiality, nondiscrimination, and freedom from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and retaliation.
• Support resident choice, self-determination, culturally responsive services, and individualized recovery goals.
• Follow applicable grievance, complaint, reasonable accommodation, accessibility, and nondiscrimination procedures.
• Comply with Edgewater Health policies, applicable Indiana statutes and regulations, contractual requirements, and relevant licensing and accreditation standards.
• Cooperate with authorized audits, inspections, investigations, incident reviews, and quality improvement activities.
• Complete required orientation, competency assessments, annual training, emergency drills, and professional development activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, performance evaluations, and the development and implementation of an Individual Professional Development Plan.
• Mentor new employees when assigned and demonstrate adherence to established procedures and professional standards.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES-KSAS

Knowledge

The Residential Technician must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge:

• Basic principles of mental health, substance use disorders, behavioral health recovery, and residential support services.
• Activities of daily living, independent living skills, and person-centered support.
• Crisis recognition, de-escalation, emergency response, and incident reporting.
• Resident rights, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and mandated reporting responsibilities.
• Medication safety and applicable limits on medication assistance and administration.
• Basic sanitation, infection prevention, food safety, household operations, and emergency preparedness.
• Individualized treatment planning and interdisciplinary care coordination.
• Applicable Edgewater Health policies, documentation standards, and program procedures.
• Applicable Indiana DMHA residential program requirements and relevant CARF, HRSA, and HUD obligations.

Skills

The Residential Technician must be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Objective observation and accurate documentation.
• Active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication.
• Time management, organization, and prioritization.
• Safe transportation and appropriate vehicle operation.
• Basic computer literacy and use of electronic documentation systems.
• Crisis de-escalation and implementation of approved safety procedures.
• Meal preparation, housekeeping, and independent living skills coaching.

Abilities

The Residential Technician must be able to:

• Maintain composure and sound judgment in stressful or emergency situations.
• Work effectively with residents from diverse backgrounds and with varied support needs.
• Follow instructions, individualized service plans, and established protocols.
• Recognize when a situation exceeds the employee’s training or authority and seek assistance promptly.
• Work independently while maintaining communication with supervisors and team members.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential information.
• Work assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating schedules as required.
• Perform the essential physical functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Prior experience in residential services, behavioral health, mental health, substance use treatment, direct support, or a related human services setting is desirable. Experience may be required based on program-specific contractual or regulatory standards.
• Licensure/Certification: Must possess and maintain any medication-related credential required for assigned duties. QMA certification or other applicable medication authorization is required when mandated by the position or program. Additional certifications may be required based on resident population and program needs.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and required automobile insurance if transportation is an essential assigned duty.
• Background Screening: Must successfully complete required criminal history, exclusion, reference, and other pre-employment screenings applicable to the position and program.
• Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, respectfully, and professionally in writing and verbally.
• Technology: Ability to use electronic records, email, and other designated systems or successfully complete required training.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work Schedule: Ability to work assigned shifts and meet residential coverage requirements.
• Compliance: Ability to complete required onboarding, training, competency assessments, and ongoing education.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least two years of experience in a behavioral health residential facility, group home, crisis residential program, substance use treatment setting, or comparable human services environment.
• Current QMA certification or another applicable medication credential.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Training or experience in crisis prevention, de-escalation, suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, or behavioral health recovery.
• Familiarity with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, and recovery-oriented services.
• Knowledge of community resources, housing support, social services, and independent living programs.
• Experience with electronic health records and shift-based clinical documentation.
• Experience supporting residents with treatment adherence, daily living skills, community integration, and transition planning.
• Ability to serve as a role model or mentor for newly hired employees.

SUPERVISORY

• Reports To: Residential Director, Residential Manager, or designated Residential Team Lead, as assigned.
• Supervises: This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may assist with orientation of new hires, provide shift handoff information, and communicate operational concerns. These responsibilities do not authorize the employee to independently make personal decisions, modify clinical treatment plans, or perform duties reserved for licensed or otherwise authorized professionals.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Performance will be evaluated using Edgewater Health’s performance management process, applicable job standards, and program-specific requirements.

The employee is expected to:

• Maintain appropriate resident supervision and comply with required staffing and observation procedures.
• Complete assigned shift notes, progress notes, logs, and incident reports accurately and within required timeframes.
• Demonstrate timely reporting of changes in resident condition, safety concerns, medication issues, and critical incidents.
• Follow treatment plans, safety plans, medication procedures, and supervisor instructions within the scope of the position.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, organized, and safe residential environment.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, punctuality, appropriate shift handoffs, and compliance with scheduling procedures.
• Treat residents and colleagues respectfully and maintain professional boundaries.
• Complete all required training, certifications, and competency assessments by established deadlines.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of de-escalation, emergency response, and resident rights protections.
• Comply with confidentiality, recordkeeping, and information security requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, quality improvement activities, and professional development.
• Report hazards, incidents, complaints, suspected abuse or neglect, and compliance concerns promptly.
• Demonstrate the ability to receive feedback, correct identified deficiencies, and sustain satisfactory performance.
• Support applicable licensing, contractual, accreditation, and funding requirements.

Failure to meet established performance expectations may result in coaching, additional training, corrective action, or other action consistent with Edgewater Health policy.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The Addiction Specialist is expected to:

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance.
• Provide counseling and case management services consistent with assigned responsibilities, treatment plans, and scope of practice.
• Complete documentation accurately, objectively, and within established timeframes.
• Maintain current treatment plans and document measurable progress toward treatment goals.
• Always maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate respectful, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental interactions with clients.
• Participate appropriately in interdisciplinary treatment planning and case consultation.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisors, coworkers, providers, referral sources, and community partners.
• Complete assigned referrals, follow-up activities, and care coordination responsibilities.
• Maintain appropriate productivity and caseload management.
• Participate in required meetings, training, supervision, quality improvement, and performance activities.
• Maintain required credentials, certifications, competencies, and continuing education.
• Follow Edgewater Health policies, procedures, ethical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify and appropriately report safety, behavioral, clinical, compliance, or other significant concerns.
• Demonstrate accountability for assigned caseload and responsibilities.
• Contribute to a positive, professional, respectful, collaborative, and recovery-oriented work environment.
• Demonstrate continuous professional development and maintain competency in assigned services.
• Protect client rights, dignity, confidentiality, and safety.

These expectations are consistent with the source position description's emphasis on attendance, service delivery, documentation, treatment planning, communication, credentials, regulatory compliance, safety reporting, accountability, and workplace professionalism.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Environment

The Residential Technician II works in a residential behavioral health environment that may operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The position may involve direct interaction with residents experiencing psychiatric symptoms, emotional distress, substance-related concerns, behavioral challenges, or other support needs.

The work environment may include exposure to communicable illnesses, cleaning products, unpredictable behavior, emergency situations, and other residential service risks. The employee must follow established infection prevention, personal safety, emergency response, and workplace safety procedures.

The Residential Technician II works in a residential behavioral health environment that may operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The position may involve direct interaction with residents experiencing psychiatric symptoms, emotional distress, substance-related concerns, behavioral challenges, or other support needs.

The work environment may include exposure to communicable illnesses, cleaning products, unpredictable behavior, emergency situations, and other residential service risks. The employee must follow established infection prevention, personal safety, emergency response, and workplace safety procedures.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include:

• Occasional lifting and/or moving of items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility during assigned duties.
• Ability to climb stairs and navigate the residential environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and hearing in person, by telephone, and through approved communication systems.
• Ability to observe residents and recognize changes in behavior or condition.
• Ability to respond promptly to alarms, emergencies, and urgent resident needs.
• Ability to perform assigned housekeeping, meal preparation, and facility upkeep activities.
• Ability to operate a vehicle when transportation duties are assigned.

Working Conditions

Reasonable accommodation will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law. The physical requirements of this position do not authorize employees to perform unsafe lifting, unapproved physical interventions, or duties beyond their training.

OTHER DUTIES

The Residential Technician II may be assigned additional duties consistent with the position, the employee’s qualifications, applicable law, program requirements, and organizational needs.

The employee is expected to remain flexible in responding to residential service demands, participate in ongoing training, and contribute to the overall safety, quality, and effectiveness of Edgewater Health’s residential programs.

This job description is intended to describe the essential functions and general responsibilities of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of every duty, responsibility, qualification, or working conditions. Edgewater Health reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities in accordance with operational needs and applicable law.

Edgewater Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equitable access to quality behavioral healthcare for all individuals.