Lead Technician - AM and PM Shifts available, Three 12 hr shifts in Newcastle upon Tyne

Join a Mission. Build a Future. Save Lives. At First Steps Recovery, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer purpose. As a leading, accredited behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment facility, our work changes lives daily. If you're driven by compassion, grounded in integrity, and thrive in a supportive, recovery-focused environment, you're exactly who we’re looking for. When you join First Steps Recovery, you become part of a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team that values empathy, growth, and evidence-based care. Whether you’re working directly with clients or behind the scenes, every role here matters — and every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision benefits for full‑time employees
• PTO / Sick Leave Plans for full‑time and part‑time employees
• Free Employee Assistance Program for full‑time and part‑time employees
• Free Legal consultations and benefits for full‑time and part‑time employees
• Free Life Insurance for full‑time employees
• Generous 401(k) program for full‑time and part‑time employees

If you're ready to be part of something bigger, we invite you to take your next step with us!

POSITION SUMMARY

Lead Tech is responsible for managing the daily operations of the medical programming and supervises the medical job functions of Tech Staff.

Essential Functions

• Works with Executive Director, Program Director, and Operations Manager to implement medical program, direct patient care, and implement treatment programming under philosophy of the company.
• With the Operations Manager, follows and improves program and medical objectives, standards, policies and procedures.
• Participates in agency quality improvement activities.
• Ensures program and staff compliance with regulatory standards and community standards of care.
• Ensures coordination of services for families and multi‑disciplinary team members for patients in treatment.
• Assist with training and supervising medical components of Tech Staff job duties.
• Builds strong collaborative relationships with patients and referral sources, and acts as a representative of First Steps Recovery in the community.
• Participates in interdisciplinary staff meetings to discuss, evaluate and develop treatment plans.
• Monitors medical care for all patients in KIPU.
• Oversees compliance with policies and procedures regarding documentation and programming in KIPU.
• Coordinates with medical treatment team for patient needs.
• Assists with insurance compliance as needed.
• Consults with admissions coordinator and Operations Manager on intakes.
• Coordinates the admissions process for new patients as it relates to medical care (intakes, history and physicals, medications, etc.).
• Provides support on performance measurement and outcome evaluation.
• Attends and/or facilitates staff in‑service and other meetings when appropriate.
• Records interventions and interactions with patients.
• Oversees medication logging and detox protocol reviews through KIPU.
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA regulations, ADA, DHCS, and Joint Commission policies and procedures.
• Ensures that Tech Staff groups and activities are run according to programming.
• Trains new staff on Tech job duties and responsibilities, monitors job performance of Tech staff and reports performance issues to Operations Manager, and initiates appropriate training related to any deficiencies or areas of quality improvement for Tech staff.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements Qualifications

• Must maintain valid auto insurance and have a driving record of 3 or fewer points.
• Maintain valid CPR/First Aid certification.
• Individual must be willing to work with a wide variety of symptoms related to mental health.
• Must have an understanding of and sensitivity toward working with multi‑cultural populations, as well as an understanding of cultural diversity.

Education

• Two years of medical experience.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Experience

• 1‑2 years experience in the field of recovery or equivalent human services work experience preferred.
• Prior experience in detox environment highly desired.

Computer Skills

• Computer Literacy in doc, spreadsheet, and email.
• Proficiency in KIPU Systems Client Management Software.

Certificates & Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License
• CPR/First Aid
• Drug and Alcohol Counseling Credential or Internship Preferred

Other Requirements

• Negative TB test
• Medical Clearance to work
• Ability to pass pre‑employment drug screenings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Frequently: Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day) Standing, Walking, Sitting, Transverse Stairs, Handling / Using Fingers
• Occasionally: Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs./day) Reach Outward, Reach Above Shoulder, Squat or Kneel, Bend or Twist
• Other Physical Demands: Ability to lift/carry 20-50 lbs., Ability to push/pull 20-50 lbs. Moderate frequency of computer keyboarding, Moderate frequency of viewing a computer monitor Daily cleaning including but not limited to: wiping, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing dishes Assisting in meal preparation, installing water containers for consumption, and shopping as necessary including pushing of carts and carrying grocery boxes/bags. Conducting garbage disposal, recycling, and collection. Occasional walks, hikes, and sports outings with clients for physical activities. Frequent support of clients in gym environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed during day and night shifts primarily in residential detox facility. This includes work in facility office as well as the grounds of the entire facility including upstairs resident rooms, clinical office, and laundry room that are accessed via staircase, and outdoor grounds. Technicians periodically drive clients in company vehicles for intakes/discharges at other treatment facilities and transportation hubs, to doctor appointments, to outings and recovery meetings. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations.

BLOOD/FLUID EXPOSURE RISK

Some job tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids and/or tissue. Staff must wear gloves and follow infectious control procedures when interacting with clients in conditions in which exposure is possible such as handling onsite urinary analysis, conducting first aid, and conducting search of client’s belonging and person. Staff may be exposed to infectious disease, needles, and illicit substances during searches.

Work Schedule

As a non‑exempt hourly employee, the employee shall work a designated schedule as assigned by management. Employee shall not work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week without prior authorization from management but if so, will earn overtime for any work performed in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Employee must also follow company’s policies regarding required meals and breaks.