BHS I

Brown Medicine•Campus, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient)/Program Director (Partial) and Unit Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides care and ensures the safety of children and adolescents as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I contributes to the daily structure of the therapeutic milieu and implements, observes, and documents all aspects of the program under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Employees are expected to model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate the Success Factors of Instilling Trust, Valuing Differences, Patient & Community Focus, and Collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred. Equivalent education/experience may be considered.
Must demonstrate aptitude and willingness to learn role‑related skills.
Ability to provide developmentally appropriate care across the lifespan.
Safety Care Certification required (training provided).
Ability to remain calm and make quick, rational decisions during crises.
Ability to participate in physical management of patients, including: Lifting up to 50 lbs, Reaching, grasping, bending, squatting, kneeling, Escorting combative patients short distances, Occasional short‑distance running, Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
Six months to one year of direct childcare experience with emotionally impaired youth.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.
Engage with assigned children throughout the shift.
Implement milieu care plans according to unit and department policies.
Maintain and document required levels of patient observation each shift.
Support visiting parents and provide information as directed by the treatment team.
Supervise children in daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and hygiene.
Identify, report, and help resolve safety or behavioral concerns.
Provide timely verbal and written follow‑up after critical incidents.
Complete required documentation, including incident reports and intakes.
Participate in restraint debriefings.
Carry out daily assignments and report completion to the Charge RN.
Intervene in disruptive or unsafe situations using approved therapeutic techniques.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Follow all hospital, departmental, and program policies.
Attend peer review, staff meetings, and required trainings.
Maintain current certifications in crisis management, CPR, OSHA, ERS, and safety.
Participate in ongoing staff development.
Participate in patient care planning under the direction of the RN.
Support the initial therapeutic alliance with patients and families during admission.
Assist with the separation process and transition to the hospital environment.
Document objective observations within each shift and communicate them to the RN.
Review and suggest updates to milieu care plans based on daily observations.
Communicate patient care plans to unit staff and collaborate with interdisciplinary providers.
Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, patient‑specific discussions, and shift reports.
Document significant observations and interventions in the medical record in a timely manner.
Share knowledge with colleagues and adapt care approaches to meet individual needs.
Teach and assist patients with daily living skills and personal hygiene based on ability.
Co‑lead community meetings, milieu meetings, and social skills groups.
Co‑lead program‑specific groups such as activity or recreation groups.
Set consistent therapeutic limits aligned with program standards.
Implement individualized behavioral programs in collaboration with the RN and treatment team.
Organize and participate in unit activities, including physical and social development.
Assist with family teaching visits and parent training as assigned.
Model appropriate therapeutic interactions with patients and families.
Co‑lead therapy groups with a clinician.
Support and participate in recreation therapy programs.
Manage crises safely using the least restrictive interventions.
Seek supervision proactively and incorporate feedback.
Perform other duties as assigned.
May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings as program needs arise.