BHS I

Brown Medicine • Madison, WI

1d • $18 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager, Program Director, and Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides direct care, safety, and therapeutic support to children and adolescents in psychiatric inpatient or partial programs. The BHS I helps structure and maintain a therapeutic milieu, contributes to treatment planning, and documents patient observations under RN supervision. All employees are expected to model Brown University Health’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate core success factors such as trust-building, collaboration, and valuing differences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred; equivalent education/experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn required skills.
• Knowledge of lifespan development, cultural considerations, and psychiatric care needs.
• Safety Care Certification (provided upon hire).
• 6 months to 1 year of direct childcare experience with emotionally impaired youth.
• Ability to remain calm, make quick decisions, and prioritize safety during crises.
• Ability to use de‑escalation techniques and, when necessary, approved physical interventions.
• Physical capacity to lift up to 50 lbs, block/deflect aggression, hold struggling patients, run short distances, and perform frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
• Works independently within program policies.
• Refers complex issues to supervisors.
• No supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a Safe & Therapeutic Environment: Engage with assigned children throughout the shift. Implement and document physician‑ or RN‑ordered observation levels. Assist with daily routines, ADLs, and hygiene needs. Provide support to visiting parents per treatment team guidance. Identify, report, and help resolve unit issues or safety concerns. Respond to disruptive or unsafe behaviors using timely, therapeutic interventions. Complete incident reports, intakes, and participate in restraint debriefings. Carry out delegated assignments and report back before shift change. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Adhere to Policies & Maintain Required Certifications: Follow all hospital, departmental, and program policies. Attend staff meetings, peer reviews, and required trainings. Maintain current CPR, crisis management, OSHA, ERS, and Safety certifications.
• Participate in Patient Care Planning: Support therapeutic rapport with patients and families during admission. Document objective observations in shift notes and communicate them to the RN. Review and suggest updates to milieu care plans and problem lists. Share patient information with interdisciplinary team members. Participate in rounds, treatment team meetings, and handoff reports. Document significant observations in the Kardex and medical record. Adapt care approaches to meet developmental and cultural needs.
• Support Behavioral & Therapeutic Programming: Teach and assist with ADLs based on patient abilities. Co‑lead community meetings, social skills groups, and activity/recreation groups. Set and maintain consistent therapeutic limits. Implement individualized behavioral programs with RN and treatment team guidance. Organize and participate in unit activities and developmental programming. Assist with family teaching visits and parent training. Model appropriate therapeutic interactions with patients and families. Co‑lead therapy groups with clinicians and support recreation therapy programs. Manage crises safely using least‑restrictive interventions. Seek supervision and integrate feedback into practice. Perform additional duties as assigned and assist in other programs when needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level