Behavioral Health Specialist I

Brown Medicine•Madison, WI

7d•$18 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient) or Program Director (Partial) and Unit Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides care and safety to children and adolescents as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The role contributes to the day-to-day schedule and structure of a therapeutic milieu and implements, observes, and documents the program under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Employees are expected to model Brown University Health’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate the core Success Factors: Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaborate. The BHS I supports a safe, therapeutic environment; participates in patient care planning and behavioral management; assists children with daily routines and activities of daily living; and documents and communicates observations to the treatment team. The position works in a psychiatric setting with stressful situations involving psychiatric impairment, aggression, and possible self-injury. Employees use de-escalation techniques and may participate in physical management of patients using approved methods to maintain safety. The position is based at Bradley Hospital in East Providence, Rhode Island. The schedule is 2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., with every other weekend and holidays as assigned; daily hours are eight. Driving is not required.

Requirements

Six months to one year of direct childcare work with emotionally impaired youth.
Demonstrated aptitude and willingness to learn role-related skills.
Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care across the life span, considering aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.
Ability to remain calm during crises, make quick rational decisions, and prioritize immediate patient-care needs to maintain a therapeutic environment and ensure safety.
Ability to use de-escalation techniques and participate in the physical management of patients using approved methods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; reach with hands and arms; grasp and hold; bend, squat, and kneel without limitation; and physically escort potentially combative patients short distances.
Ability to run short distances and frequently stand, walk, and sit.
Current crisis management certification, CPR certification, and OSHA, ERS, and Safety Certifications.
Work independently within Program policies and practices and refer complex problems requiring policy clarification to a supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Baccalaureate degree in a Human Service field; other education and experience may be considered as a substitute at the Hiring Manager’s discretion.

Responsibilities

Participate in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment and actively engage with assigned children throughout the shift.
Help develop and carry out the milieu care plan for assigned patients in accordance with department and unit procedures.
Maintain and document physician- or Charge RN-ordered patient observation levels each shift.
Support visiting parents and provide information as requested by the treatment team.
Supervise children during daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and basic hygiene.
Identify, report, and resolve potential or actual unit problems; report critical incidents promptly to the Charge RN and document them in the medical record.
Complete applicable documentation, including incident reports, intakes, shift notes, Kardex entries, and medical-record documentation.
Participate in restraint debriefings and carry out delegated assignments, reporting back before the change of shift.
Provide timely therapeutic interventions when children are in distress or when the milieu presents disruptive or destructive behavior; maintain appropriate boundaries.
Attend assigned peer reviews, staff meetings, and staff development activities; maintain current required certifications.
Support initial therapeutic alliance with patients and families on admission and assist with separation and transition to the hospital environment.
Share objective observations with the assigned RN, review milieu care plans and problem lists daily, and suggest revisions based on observations.
Communicate patient-specific milieu care plans to unit staff and interdisciplinary providers; participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, discussions, and handoffs as assigned.
Adapt care style to meet the needs of different children and adolescents and share relevant experience with colleagues through staff development forums.
Assist and teach patients in activities of daily living and personal hygiene based on their abilities.
Co-lead community, milieu, social skills, activity, recreation, and therapy groups with appropriate staff; support recreation therapy programs.
Set consistent, supportive therapeutic limits and follow behavioral programs in collaboration with the assigned RN and treatment team.
Organize unit activities and coordinate, supervise, and participate in children’s physical and social development activities; arrange transportation of materials if required.
Participate in teaching visits and family or parent training as assigned.
Handle crises safely and effectively, using the least restrictive safe patient-care alternative; seek supervision and incorporate feedback to improve performance.
Perform other related duties as required, assigned, or directed by the Charge RN, including comparable duties in other clinical settings when program needs arise.