Behavioral Health Specialist 1

**Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) – Position Summary** ============================================================= Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient), Program Director (Partial), and Unit Charge RN, the **Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I)** provides direct care, safety, and therapeutic support to children and adolescents within an interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I contributes to the structure of the therapeutic milieu and is responsible for implementing, observing, and documenting milieu programming under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s core values of **Compassion**, **Accountability**, **Respect**, and **Excellence**, and to demonstrate the Success Factors that guide how we work together: **Instill Trust**, **Value Differences**, **Patient and Community Focus**, and **Collaborate**. **Key Responsibilities** ======================== ### **A. Milieu Management & Direct Patient Care** * **Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment** and actively engage with assigned patients throughout the shift. * Participate in developing and implementing milieu care plans according to unit policies. * Maintain and document required levels of patient observation each shift. * Support visiting parents and provide information as directed by the treatment team. * Supervise patients during daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and hygiene. * Identify, report, and help resolve actual or potential unit problems. * Provide timely verbal reporting and documentation following critical incidents. * Complete required documentation, including incident reports and intake materials. * Participate in restraint debriefings. * Carry out delegated assignments and report completion before shift change. * Intervene therapeutically in disruptive or unsafe situations. * Maintain professional boundaries at all times. ### **B. Compliance, Training & Professional Standards** * Adhere to all Hospital, Department, and Program policies and procedures. * Attend peer review, staff meetings, and required trainings. * Maintain current certifications in: * Crisis Management * CPR * OSHA, ERS, and Safety * Participate in ongoing staff development. ### **C. Treatment Planning & Clinical Collaboration** * Support the development of a therapeutic alliance with patients and families at admission. * Assist with the separation process and help orient patients to the hospital environment. * Document objective observations within each shift and communicate findings to the assigned RN. * Review milieu care plans daily and recommend revisions based on observations. * Communicate patient care plans to unit staff and collaborate with interdisciplinary providers. * Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, patient‑specific discussions, and hand‑off reports. * Document significant observations in the medical record and Kardex in a timely manner. * Share knowledge and experience with colleagues through formal and informal learning opportunities. * Adapt care approaches to meet the developmental needs of diverse children and adolescents. ### **D. Therapeutic Programming & Behavioral Support** * Support and contribute to behavioral management and care plan development. * Teach and assist with activities of daily living based on patient ability. * Co‑lead community meetings, milieu groups, social skills groups, and program‑specific activities. * Set consistent therapeutic limits aligned with hospital and unit standards. * Implement behavioral programs in collaboration with the RN and treatment team. * Organize and participate in unit activities, including physical and social development programming. * Assist with family training and teaching visits as assigned. * Model therapeutic interpersonal interactions with patients and families. * Co‑lead therapy groups with clinicians. * Support and participate in recreation therapy programs. * Respond to crises using the least restrictive, safe intervention. * Seek supervision proactively and incorporate feedback into performance. * Perform other duties as assigned by the Charge RN. * May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings based on hospital needs. **Minimum Qualifications** ========================== ### **Education** * **Baccalaureate degree in a Human Services field preferred.** * Equivalent education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager. ### **Knowledge & Skills** * Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn role‑related skills. * Knowledge necessary to provide developmentally and culturally informed care across the lifespan. * **Safety Care Certification** required (or ability to obtain). * Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during crisis situations. * Ability to participate in physical management of patients, including: * Lifting up to 50 lbs * Reaching, grasping, bending, squatting, kneeling * Escorting combative patients short distances * Occasional short‑distance running * Frequent standing, walking, and sitting ### **Experience** * **Six months to one year** of direct childcare experience with emotionally impaired youth. ### **Independent Action** * Works independently within established Program policies. * Refers complex issues to a supervisor for clarification. ### **Supervisory Responsibility** * None. **Pay Range:** $18.13-$29.90 **EEO Statement:** **Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.** **Location:** Bradley Hospital - 1011 Veterans Memorial Pkwy East Providence, Rhode Island 02915 **Work Type:** every other weekend/holiday day shift **Work Shift:** Day **Daily Hours:**  8 hours **Driving Required:** No