Behavioral Health Specialist I PD

Brown Medicine • Madison, WI

1d • $18 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides direct care, safety, and therapeutic support to children and adolescents in inpatient or partial psychiatric programs. Working under the Clinical Nurse Manager, Program Director, and Charge RN, the BHS I helps structure the therapeutic milieu, contributes to daily programming, and documents patient observations under RN supervision. Employees are expected to model Brown University Health’s values—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—and demonstrate collaboration, trust-building, and respect for differences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred; equivalent 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 and make quick decisions during crises.
• Skilled in de‑escalation and, when necessary, approved physical interventions.
• Ability 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.
• Variable Daily Hours: Per Diem - As required
• Driving Required: Yes

Responsibilities

• Maintain a Safe & Therapeutic Environment: Engage with assigned children throughout the shift. Implement and document physician/RN‑ordered observation levels. Assist with daily routines, ADLs, and hygiene needs. Support visiting parents per treatment team direction. Identify and report safety concerns or unit issues. Provide timely therapeutic interventions during disruptive or unsafe situations. Complete incident reports, intakes, and participate in restraint debriefings. Follow delegated assignments and report back before shift change. Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Follow Policies & Maintain Required Certifications: Adhere to 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.

Benefits

• Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
• As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England.
• Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day.
• Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state’s largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty practice in Rhode Island.
• Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve.
• We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.
• Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level