Behavioral Health Specialist - FT FED

Connections Health Solutions•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) manages and maintains the safety of individuals and staff in a behavioral health crisis-care setting. The role supports individuals on the unit by taking vital signs, assisting with their needs, and providing customer service. The BHS documents services and significant interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), monitors patients at Q15 intervals, and maintains the cleanliness of the assigned unit and facility. The BHS conducts admission security screenings and property inventories, orients individuals to the Observation Unit and Short-term Inpatient Unit, and explains patient rights, the grievance process, expectations, rules, and regulations. The role uses therapeutic de-escalation techniques and performs restraints or seclusions when needed to protect individuals and others. It also includes assisting with activities of daily living, conducting and documenting vital signs and specified tests, and reporting questionable vital-sign results to the attending RN or physician. The BHS may attend court-ordered hearings when subpoenaed and must be willing to provide testimony when required. The position requires physical interventions and assisting with lifting, moving, or transporting individuals using proper body mechanics or lifting devices. Other duties include light cleaning, collecting soiled linen, and laundering individuals’ clothing when needed. The company requires successful applicants to be fully vaccinated with proper documentation, or exempt through the company’s exemption process, before their start date.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in behavioral health, social services, or a related field.
Ability to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques.
Ability to safely perform physical interventions, including standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person’s weight.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Ability to tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior.
Must be fully vaccinated, with proper documentation, or exempt through the company’s exemption process before the start date.
Must be willing to serve as a witness on a petition and provide testimony at court-ordered hearings when required.

Nice To Haves

Certified training such as Safe Clinch, CPR/First Aid, or therapeutic options.
Completion of a CNA or Patient Care Tech program.
Two years of experience in behavioral health.
Completion of BHT certification.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain the safety of individuals and staff.
Take vital signs and assist individuals with their needs while on the unit, providing exceptional customer service.
Document services provided and significant individual interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Conduct security screenings and inventory individuals’ property upon admission.
Orient individuals to the Observation Unit and Short-term Inpatient Unit.
Educate patients about their rights under ADHS regulations, the grievance process, expectations, rules, and regulations.
Use therapeutic techniques to de-escalate escalated individuals and perform restraints or seclusions when needed to ensure safety.
Complete 1-to-1 observation for a patient in seclusion or mechanical restraints Q15.
Lift, move, and transport individuals using proper body mechanics or lifting devices to prevent accidents.
Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring.
Conduct and document individuals’ vital signs and report questionable results to the attending RN or physician.
Conduct and document BAL, urine drug screens, and urine pregnancy tests.
Attend court-ordered hearings when subpoenaed and provide testimony when required.
Monitor and document patients Q15.
Maintain the cleanliness of the facility and assigned unit, perform light interior cleaning, collect soiled linen, and launder individuals’ clothing when needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance for employees and their families (full-time employees).
Company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
Voluntary life insurance option for employees and their families.
Health Savings Accounts with a $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on the plan.
Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care.
401(k) company match after six months: 50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation.
Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually.
12 recognized company holidays.
Company-paid parental leave for eligible employees.
Employee Assistance Program for confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support.
Automatic enrollment in the 401(k) Plan after 90 days.