Behavioral Health Specialist I

Summary Under the direction of Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient)/Program Director (Partial) and Unit Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) is responsible for providing care and safety to children and adolescents as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I is responsible for input into the formulation of the day‑to‑day schedule and structure of a therapeutic milieu and the implementation, observation, and documentation of this program under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaborate. Responsibilities Participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. Actively engages with assigned children throughout shift. Participates in the development and operationalization of the milieu care plan for assigned patients according to established department and unit‑based procedure/policy. Maintains and documents level of patient observation as ordered by the physician/charge RN each shift. Provides support to visiting parents as requested by the treatment team. Supervises assigned children in daily routines and assists with activities of daily living and basic hygiene needs. Identifies, reports, and resolves potential unit problems. Demonstrates appropriate critical incident follow‑up skills by timely verbal reporting to charge RN and documentation in the medical record. Completes other documentation such as incident reports and intakes. Participates in restraint debriefings. Carries out daily assignments as delegated by Charge RN and reports before change of shift. Intervenes in disruptive milieu or destructive to self/other patient situations by providing timely therapeutic intervention(s) to children in distress while maintaining appropriate boundaries. Adheres to hospital, departmental, and program policies and procedures. Attends peer review and staff meetings as assigned. Maintains current certifications in crisis management, CPR, OSHA, ERS, and safety. Actively participates in patient care planning under the direction of the primary/charge RN. Supports initial therapeutic alliance with patient and family on admission. Assists with the separation process and performs other duties necessary for a smooth transition to the hospital environment. Documents objective observations within a shift note and shares observations with assigned RN. Reviews milieu care plan and problem list daily, suggesting revisions based on observations. Communicates individual patient milieu plans to other unit staff, including liaison with other interdisciplinary treatment providers. Participates in treatment team rounds, patient‑specific discussions, and hand‑off shift reports. Accurately documents significant patient/family observations and milieu care on the Kardex and medical records. Offers information and knowledge through staff development forums. Adapts care style to meet needs of children and adolescents. Supports and contributes to the development of care plans and behavioral management. Assists and teaches patients in activities of daily living and personal hygiene. Co‑leads community meetings and other program groups such as activity or recreation. Demonstrates ability to set consistent and supportive therapeutic limits within hospital, unit, and department standards. Follow behavioral programs specific to patient needs in collaboration with the assigned RN and treatment team. Organizes unit activities. Coordinates, supervises, and actively participates in children’s physical and social development activities. Arranges transportation of materials when required. Participates in teaching visits, family, and parent training as assigned. Models appropriate and therapeutic interpersonal staff‑patient interactions. Co‑leads therapy groups with a clinician. Supports and actively participates in recreation therapy programs. Handles crisis situations safely, using the least restrictive intervention. Seeks formal and informal supervision, incorporating suggestions for improvement. Performs other related duties as required, assigned, or directed by Charge RN. May be asked to perform comparable duties in other clinical settings throughout the hospital system. Minimum Qualifications Basic Knowledge: Baccalaureate degree in a human service field preferred. Other education and experience may be considered as substitutes. Demonstrate aptitude and willingness to learn role‑related skills. Knowledge of care across the lifespan with consideration of aging, human development stages, and cultural patterns. Safety Care Certification: Work in a psychiatric setting under stressful conditions. Use de‑escalation techniques. Remain calm during crises, make quick rational decisions, and prioritize patient care needs. Demonstrate safe body positioning, coordination to block aggression, and ability to physically hold patients as required. Ability to lift up to fifty pounds, reach, grasp, bend, squat, kneel, and escort patients short distances. Experience: Six months to one year of direct childcare work with emotionally impaired youth. Independent Action: Perform independently within program policies and practices. Refer complex problems to supervisors when necessary. 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: 32 hrs/week, overnights, every other weekend/holiday Work Shift: Night Daily Hours: 8 hours Driving Required: Yes #J-18808-Ljbffr Bradley Hospital