Lead Behavioral Health Specialist

Lead Behavioral Health Specialist

The Lead Behavioral Health Specialist supports quality patient care by mentoring Behavioral Health Specialists, leading orientation and training, and promoting a safe, therapeutic environment. This role collaborates with nursing and multidisciplinary teams to support staffing, improve workflow, and drive quality, operational, and financial improvements. The Lead BHS also models therapeutic interactions, precepts staff, and serves as a resource and leader across the unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor and support Behavioral Health Specialists to promote high-quality, safe care.
• Lead onboarding and orientation for new BHS staff.
• Partner with Nursing Professional Practice and Staff Development to develop training and educational materials.
• Model therapeutic interactions with patients in individual and group settings.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to improve team performance and patient care.
• Identify and support quality improvement and cost-effective resource use.
• Complete required competencies and annual training.
• Demonstrate the organization’s core values consistently.

Clinical Leadership Competencies

• Lead the development, implementation, and review of Individual Behavior Plans.
• Coach and support BHS1s, BHS2s, and other staff as needed.
• Serve as an extension of senior leadership.
• Partner with the charge nurse on staffing assignments and flexing resources based on acuity and need.
• Develop therapeutic group lesson plans for use by BHS staff.
• Precept in all service areas.
• Participate in at least two leadership activities, such as precepting, committee work, or a unit project.
• Mentor and evaluate BHS1s and BHS2s.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in an allied health field such as Psychology, Social Work, Education, Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Child Development, or a related mental health program.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of pediatric behavioral health diagnoses.
• Ability to use age- and developmentally appropriate approaches with patients.
• Skilled in a variety of non-pharmacological de-escalation techniques.