Therapeutic Classroom Technician (MHW) - Foundations

JOB TITLE: Therapeutic Classroom Technician (MHW) - Foundations

REPORTS TO: Therapeutic Classroom Therapist and/or Director of Education (Foundations Program)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Therapeutic Classroom Coordinator/Mental Health Technician provides evidence-based mental health services to support the Natrona County School District's Foundations for Success Program. This tech is responsible for supporting an interim therapeutic classroom setting that helps students address personal/social needs preventing them from remaining in a regular classroom due to safety issues. The Tech will work with the Therapist and other Foundations classroom resources to plan implementation of groups that target specific pro-social and anti-social behaviors and the "thinking skills" that help students become successful in a traditional school environment. May cross-train or provide services in the therapeutic classroom environment also through Wyoming Behavioral Institute or the Pathways program if needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, kneeling, stooping, bending and some lifting. This Position will involve training in therapeutic safety holds as per the Wyoming Behavioral Institute's Handle with Care protocol and this person will be trained in and actively certified as competent in these techniques. This position involves indoor and outdoor and Foundation school activities. Occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials may occur.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES REQUIRED:

Minimum of a High-School Diploma or equivalent; Associate's and/or Bachelor's degree preferred in education or in social services discipline, psychology or related field. Two (2) years of progressive experience in a behavioral health hospital or behavior management school setting with added emphasis on the kindergarten through second grade (K-2) student population is desired. Must demonstrate knowledge of developmental tasks of K-2 children. Ability to apply knowledge in assessment, planning of care and tracking measurable outcomes is required.

PERSONAL TRAITS, QUALITIES & APTITUDES:

Demonstrates personal traits/behavior consistent with the values of Wyoming Behavioral Institute and the Natrona County School District. Must be self-directed/self-motivated; must have good communication and interpersonal skills; must be flexible; must have good critical thinking/decision making skills and must have good understanding of school and hospital systems and change processes. Must be able to perform a variety of duties often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure; accept responsibility for direction, control and planning of activity; make evaluations and decisions based on measurable or verifiable criteria; work independently; recognize the rights and responsibilities of patient confidentiality; convey empathy and compassion to those experiencing pain, physical or emotional distress and/or grief; relate to others in a manner which creates a sense of teamwork and cooperation; communicate effectively with people from every socioeconomic, cultural and educational background; exhibit flexibility and cope effectively in an ever changing, fast-paced health care environment; perform effectively when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual and/or dangerous situations; demonstrate the quality work ethic of doing the right thing the right way; and maintain a customer focus and strive to satisfy the customer's perceived needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

• Work to document and maintain daily logs
• Daily cleaning
• Organizing classroom materials and set up for daily activities
• Deliver interesting and engaging therapeutic groups and activities under the supervision of the Therapeutic Classroom Therapist, focusing on social/emotional learning and coping skills to improve behaviors and social skills leading to a successful transition to a traditional school day.
• Teach specific K-2 social skills within the group format including topics such as communicating, nonverbal communication, expressing feelings, following adult directions, listening, managing conflict, regulating
• Continually assess student needs for additional supports, interventions and discharge planning strategies.
• Evaluate and document effectiveness of interventions and student responses.
• Document student progress daily.
• Relate to students in an age-appropriate manner.
• Work with team to create visual aides for the classroom

Discharge Planning

• Participate in the development of a preliminary discharge plan at admission consistent with the student's therapeutic goals.

Therapeutic Environment

• Report unsafe conditions to appropriate WBI and NCSD personnel.
• Assure student's rights are upheld.
• Ensure the safe and therapeutic functioning of the Foundations for Success classroom.
• Utilize Handle with Care restraint procedures with an understanding of the need for modification in regard to smaller body sizes of children, abandonment issues and the history of physical and/or sexual abuse issues along the Trauma Informed Care model.

Provider and/or Supervision of Care

• Collaborate effectively with the WBI treatment team.
• Intervene effectively in unusual and complex student/family situations.
• Document and report student restraint within one hour of incident in accordance with Foundations for Success/Natrona County School District policy.
• Comply with required standards for medical/legal reporting situations (i.e., child abuse, dependent adult abuse, psychiatric commitment).
• Ensure that all Foundations for Success documentation meets policies, procedures, standards and laws.