Behavioral Health Specialist

Brown Medicine•Madison, WI

3d•$18 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides care and safety to children and adolescents as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient) or Program Director (Partial), and the Unit Charge RN, the BHS I contributes to the daily schedule and structure of a therapeutic milieu and implements, observes, and documents the program under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The role includes maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, supporting patients and families, assisting with daily routines and personal care, contributing to care planning and behavioral management, leading or co-leading groups and activities, and responding safely to crisis situations. The position works in a psychiatric setting and may be assigned comparable duties in other clinical settings throughout the hospital system as program needs arise. 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.

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 to care for patients across the life span, considering aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.
Current Safety Care certification and ability to use de-escalation techniques; employees are expected to maintain current crisis management certification.
Current CPR certification.
Current OSHA, ERS, and Safety certifications.
Ability to remain calm, make quick rational decisions, and prioritize immediate patient care needs during crises.
Ability to participate in physical management of patients using approved methods, including safe positioning, blocking and deflecting aggression, and holding struggling patients for extended periods when needed.
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 occasionally and to stand, walk, and sit frequently.

Nice To Haves

Baccalaureate degree in a human service field preferred.

Responsibilities

Help maintain a safe and therapeutic environment and actively engage with assigned children throughout the shift.
Participate in developing and carrying out milieu care plans and maintain and document patient observation levels as ordered.
Supervise children during daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and basic hygiene.
Provide support and requested information to visiting parents and families.
Identify, report, and address unit problems; report and document critical incidents promptly and complete applicable records.
Participate in restraint debriefings and carry out assignments delegated by the Charge RN, reporting back before the shift ends.
Provide timely therapeutic interventions when children are distressed or when disruptive or unsafe situations arise, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Follow hospital, department, and program policies and procedures; attend assigned meetings and staff development.
Participate in patient care planning under the direction of the primary or charge RN, support patients and families during admission, and assist with transitions into the hospital environment.
Document objective observations during the shift and communicate observations and patient-specific milieu care plans to nurses and other unit staff.
Review milieu care plans and problem lists daily and suggest revisions based on observations.
Participate in treatment team activities, rounds, patient-specific discussions, and shift handoffs as assigned.
Support development of care plans and behavioral management; teach and assist patients with daily living and hygiene according to their abilities.
Co-lead community, milieu, social skills, activity, recreation, and clinician-led therapy groups as assigned.
Set consistent therapeutic limits, follow individualized behavioral programs, organize unit activities, and coordinate and participate in children’s physical and social development activities.
Participate in family teaching visits and parent training as assigned and model therapeutic interactions with patients and families.
Support recreation therapy and handle crises using safe, effective, least-restrictive alternatives.
Seek formal supervision and incorporate feedback to improve job performance.
Perform other related duties as required, assigned, or directed by the Charge RN.