Behavioral Health Specialist, Residential Psychiatry

Cincinnati Children's•College Hill, TX

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center plays a crucial role in leading and co-leading group programming, implementing token economies to reinforce positive behaviors, and providing direct patient care in a team-based setting. This role collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes, implements individualized patient care plans, and documents behavioral observations. The BHS is responsible for establishing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for youth in crisis within a state-of-the-art mental health facility.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a related field (experience not required but preferred)

Responsibilities

Create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment that fosters support and consistency.
Implement a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors.
Support patients with a variety of severe psychological/psychiatric difficulties, including mood disorders, disruptive/aggressive behavior, self-harm, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental disorders who often have histories including significant psychosocial stressors and trauma.
Proactively prevent and respond to crises using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies, including verbal de-escalation and physical interventions when necessary due to imminent risk.
Lead and intervene in behavioral crises, apply appropriate strategies based on the Stress Model of Crisis and individualized treatment plans.
Conduct safety checks, room searches, and patient safety searches.
Follow policies and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team.
Implement individualized care plans, including behavioral interventions and support for activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, toileting).
Provide care primarily in group settings, with individualized programming as needed per treatment team recommendations.
Maintain designated observation status (e.g., continuous observation, 15-minute checks, remaining within arm’s-length of patient).
Lead structured group programming and facilitate patient engagement; adjust delivery to meet developmental needs of patients, observe behavior and participate in problem-solving.
Build rapport while maintaining professional boundaries.
Recognize trauma impacts and use developmentally appropriate therapeutic communication.
Contribute to team planning and patient-centered care discussions.
Complete accurate and timely documentation, including shift notes, incident documentation (e.g., restraint, seclusion), and safety checks.
Summarize what happens before and after target behaviors.
Actively participate in shift reports, safe handoff procedures, and data collection.