Behavioral Health Specialist I

About This Role

The Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides direct care and ensures the safety of children and adolescents within a therapeutic milieu. This role involves active engagement with patients, documentation of observations, and participation in the interdisciplinary treatment team to support patient care and program development.

Responsibilities

• Engages with assigned children throughout the shift to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment
• Maintains and documents patient observation levels as ordered by the physician/charge RN
• Provides support to visiting parents and information as requested by the treatment team
• Supervises children in daily routines and assists with activities of daily living and basic hygiene needs
• Identifies, reports, and resolves potential/actual problems on the unit
• Intervenes in disruptive or self/other destructive situations with timely therapeutic interventions
• Documents objective observations in shift notes and shares with assigned RN
• Assists and teaches patients in activities of daily living and personal hygiene
• Co-leads community meetings, milieu meetings, social skill groups, and other program-specific groups
• Handles crisis situations using safe and effective methods, utilizing the least restrictive alternative

Requirements

• Aptitude and willingness to learn role-related skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide care to patients throughout the life span
• Ability to utilize de-escalation techniques
• Ability to remain calm during a crisis situation
• Ability to make quick rational decisions and prioritize patient care needs
• Ability to participate in physical management of patients (lift up to fifty pounds, reach, grasp, bend/squat/kneel, escort combative patients)
• Six months to one year of direct childcare work with emotionally impaired youth

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate Degree in a Human Service field preferred
• Six months to one year of direct childcare work with emotionally impaired youth

Certifications