Behavioral Health Specialist, Liberty ED
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) in the Emergency Department (ED) at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center provides direct behavioral support to patients presenting in acute psychiatric or behavioral crisis within a fast-paced, high-acuity ED environment. This role involves close collaboration with nurses, providers, social work, and psychiatry to ensure safe, coordinated care. The BHS monitors and responds to changing patient behaviors in real time across multiple rooms or care areas, maintaining a safe, structured environment for multiple patients simultaneously using proactive behavioral management strategies. They also observe and document patient behavior to support clinical decision-making and disposition planning.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2 years of experience in a related field
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, or related field
- Experience in emergency department, psychiatric, behavioral health, education (classroom management), or patient care technician roles
- Familiarity with crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or behavior management techniques
Responsibilities
- Provide continuous behavioral monitoring and support for patients in crisis
- Maintain safety for multiple patients at once using proactive behavioral management and de-escalation techniques
- Apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies, including verbal de-escalation and physical interventions when necessary
- Anticipate and intervene early with escalating behaviors to minimize risk
- Conduct safety checks, patient observations, and environmental rounding
- Implement components of individualized behavioral care plans
- Support basic patient needs and comfort measures
- Maintain ordered observation levels and adhere to safety protocols
- Adapt approach based on patient acuity and volume
- Use structured communication and limit-setting to manage behavior across multiple patients simultaneously
- Balance competing patient needs and priorities
- Build rapport quickly while maintaining professional boundaries
- Apply trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate interventions
- Complete timely and accurate documentation
- Communicate behavioral updates to the care team
- Participate in shift handoffs and team huddles
Benefits
- Part-Time Benefits Eligible
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
