Behavioral Health Specialist (Full Time, BED)

Connections Health Solutions•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) is a member of the interdisciplinary care team who helps maintain a safe, secure, welcoming, and therapeutic environment. The role involves frequent direct interaction with individuals and supports their experience from admission through discharge in a high-acuity, fast-paced setting. The specialist provides compassionate, respectful support to people experiencing acute behavioral health symptoms, substance use concerns, homelessness, and other complex needs. The BHS supports admissions, transfers, and discharges; maintains and documents required observations; assists with daily needs; recognizes and communicates changes in behavior or condition; and responds to safety concerns and emergencies. The role also includes collaborating with the care team, documenting services and observations in the Electronic Health Record, supporting approved clinical activities, and helping maintain the facility and therapeutic environment. Success requires compassion, sound judgment, situational awareness, teamwork, flexibility, and professionalism under pressure.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in behavioral health, healthcare, human services, customer service, hospitality, corrections, emergency services, residential care, or another direct service environment.
Basic computer skills and ability to accurately document information in an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, coworkers, and members of the interdisciplinary team.
Ability to complete required training and maintain required competencies, including CPR, crisis prevention/de-escalation, Safe Clinch/restraint training, and other facility-required safety procedures.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including responding quickly to emergencies, assisting with physical interventions when trained, and lifting or moving individuals or equipment as required.
Must pass company-required background checks, including a physical, TB, and drug screening.
Must be fully vaccinated, with proper documentation, or receive an exemption under the company’s exemption process before the start date.
Arizona Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Safely perform physical interventions, including standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person’s weight.
Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment.
Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior.

Nice To Haves

Experience in behavioral health, healthcare, crisis services, substance use treatment, residential care, emergency services, or another high-acuity service environment.
Completion of a CNA or Patient Care Tech program.
Completion of BHS certification.
Experience de-escalating difficult situations, responding to conflict, redirecting behavior, or supporting individuals under stress.
Current CPR/BLS certification, crisis prevention/de-escalation certification, peer support certification, behavioral health technician credential, certified nursing assistant credential, or other relevant certification.

Responsibilities

Welcome individuals and provide compassionate, respectful, nonjudgmental support from admission through discharge.
Support safe admissions, transfers, and discharges; assist individuals with meals, clothing, comfort items, and other daily needs.
Build therapeutic rapport while maintaining professional boundaries and supporting the organization’s “No Wrong Door” approach.
Conduct safety screenings and inventories, searches, and secure individual belongings according to established procedures.
Maintain required observation levels and accurately document observations within established timeframes.
Recognize and promptly communicate changes in behavior, condition, risk, or environmental safety to the interdisciplinary team.
Use therapeutic communication, trauma-informed practices, redirection, and approved de-escalation techniques.
Participate in approved restraints, seclusion, or other safety interventions when necessary, permitted, and appropriately trained.
Respond to emergencies and perform CPR, Safe Clinch, and other approved emergency-response techniques within the scope of training.
Communicate and collaborate with nurses, providers, clinicians, peer and recovery support professionals, and other care team members.
Participate in shift handoffs, team huddles, and care coordination activities.
Obtain and document vital signs and promptly report concerning results to the responsible nurse or medical provider.
Perform approved clinical support activities, which may include blood alcohol, urine drug, and pregnancy testing, when permitted and trained.
Support individual care and safety plans and safely escort, move, or transport individuals as needed.
Document observations, services, interventions, and significant interactions accurately and promptly in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Maintain confidentiality and follow clinical, safety, security, and infection-prevention procedures.
Complete required training, certifications, competencies, and meetings within established timeframes.
Attend court-ordered hearings when subpoenaed and provide factual testimony consistent with documented observations.
Help maintain a clean, safe, organized, and therapeutic care environment.
Support routine unit needs, including food service, linens, and laundering individual clothing when needed.
Respond flexibly to changing facility needs and support colleagues across assigned care areas.
Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities and scope of the position.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance for employees and families, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage.
Company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families.
Health Savings Accounts with a $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution, depending on 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 and 12 recognized company holidays.
Company-paid parental leave available to eligible employees.
Employee Assistance Program providing confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support.
Automatic enrollment in the 401(k) Plan after 90 days.