Behavioral Health Specialist I

UCHealth • Aurora, CO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a registered nurse, the Behavioral Health Specialist I performs services to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients with behavioral health needs in inpatient, emergency department, or ambulatory settings. The role involves milieu management and collaboration with the care team to support assigned clients and carry out their plans of care. This is an onsite PRN position at UCHealth CeDAR in Aurora, Colorado, with a day shift and a stated pay range of $20.87–$27.13 per hour, dependent on relevant experience. The role is part of a career ladder that offers opportunities to advance in skills, responsibilities, and pay as experience and expertise grow.

The position requires critical thinking, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment. The specialist follows instructions and established guidelines, monitors and documents patients’ coping mechanisms, provides crisis intervention when needed, and reports changes in patients’ physical, mental, or emotional condition to the care team.

UCHealth describes a comprehensive total rewards program that includes recognition and performance-based pay programs, health and well-being offerings, time away from work, insurance and retirement options, and education and career-growth resources. Eligibility for some programs depends on scheduled work hours.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or satisfactory completion of a UCHealth-administered basic competency test in lieu of a high school diploma or GED.
• One year of related behavioral health experience.
• BLS certification through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, with the card in hand before the start date. The card must remain valid through 60 days of hire; renewals must be issued by the American Heart Association.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health-related field.
• One year of experience in a residential or inpatient behavioral health treatment program.
• One year of experience in a substance use disorder treatment program.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the care team to provide a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment.
• Continually monitor and document patients’ coping mechanisms.
• Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Provide input and recommendations to the clinical team to help develop plans of care.
• Assist in carrying out plans of care for assigned clients.
• Report changes in patients’ physical, mental, or emotional condition to the care team.
• Perform services involving milieu management in inpatient, emergency department, or ambulatory settings.
• Use critical thinking and decisive judgment, work with minimal supervision, and take appropriate action in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Three-Year Incentive Bonus recognizing contributions to quality, patient experience, organizational growth, financial goals, and tenure.
• Annual merit pay increase based on performance.
• Annual market reviews and base pay adjustments as needed to remain competitive.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 mental health and well-being support for employees and dependents.
• Discounted gym memberships and fitness resources.
• Free Care.com membership.
• Voluntary benefits including accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal plan, identity theft protection, pet insurance, auto and home insurance, and employee discount programs.
• Paid time off, paid family and medical leave (including Colorado FAMLI), and leaves of absence.
• Employer-provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, with buy-up options.
• Employer-provided short-term and long-term disability coverage, with a buy-up option.
• 403(b) plan with employer matching contribution.
• Additional 457(b) plan may be available.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent day care; health savings account available with enrollment in a high-deductible medical plan.
• Access to academic degrees and certificate programs.
• Up to 100% of tuition, books, and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees; other programs may qualify for up to $10,000 per year prepaid or up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement.
• Access to LinkedIn Learning and internal professional development opportunities.
• Free assistance navigating the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and submitting federal student loans for forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED