Behavioral Health Specialist I

Brown Medicine•Madison, WI

3d•$18 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides direct care, support, and supervision to children and adolescents in an inpatient or partial‑hospital setting. Working under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager, Program Director, and Charge RN, the BHS I helps maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment while contributing to the interdisciplinary treatment process. Employees are expected to model our organizational values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate our core Success Factors: Instill Trust, Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred. Equivalent education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.
Willingness and ability to learn role‑specific skills.
Understanding of lifespan development, cultural considerations, and age‑appropriate care.
Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during crisis situations.
Ability to use de‑escalation techniques and participate in physical management of patients when necessary, using approved methods only.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to reach, grasp, bend, squat, kneel, and escort patients safely.
Ability to run short distances and tolerate frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
Six months to one year of direct childcare experience with emotionally impaired youth required.
Works independently within program policies and procedures; seeks guidance for complex issues.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and actively engage with assigned patients throughout the shift.
Follow individualized observation levels and document observations as required.
Support patients with daily routines, activities of daily living, and hygiene needs.
Provide guidance and support to visiting parents as directed by the treatment team.
Identify and report safety concerns or behavioral issues promptly.
Participate in crisis intervention using approved de‑escalation techniques and least‑restrictive interventions.
Complete required documentation, including incident reports and shift notes.
Participate in restraint debriefings and communicate relevant information to the Charge RN.
Adhere to all hospital, departmental, and program policies and procedures.
Maintain required certifications, including CPR, crisis management, OSHA, and safety training.
Attend staff meetings, peer reviews, and assigned training sessions.
Participate in the patient care planning process under RN direction.
Assist with patient admissions, including supporting the separation process and helping patients adjust to the hospital environment.
Document objective observations each shift and communicate updates to the RN and treatment team.
Review and contribute to milieu care plans and problem lists.
Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, and shift hand‑offs as assigned.
Share relevant observations with interdisciplinary providers and contribute to staff development when appropriate.
Adapt care approaches to meet the developmental and emotional needs of each patient.
Assist patients with daily living skills and personal hygiene based on individual abilities.
Co‑lead community meetings, social skills groups, and program‑specific therapeutic groups.
Support behavioral management plans in collaboration with the RN and treatment team.
Organize and participate in unit activities, including physical, social, and recreational programming.
Participate in family teaching visits and parent training as assigned.
Model appropriate therapeutic interactions with patients and families.
Respond to crisis situations safely and effectively.
Seek supervision proactively and incorporate feedback into practice.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Charge RN.
May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings as program needs arise.