Behavioral Health Specialist (PRN/Pool)

Connections Health Solutions•King of Prussia, PA

10d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) is a vital member of the interdisciplinary care team, helping create a safe, secure, welcoming, and therapeutic environment. The role involves frequent direct interaction with individuals and helps shape their experience from admission through discharge. In a high-acuity, fast-paced setting, the BHS provides compassionate, respectful support to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health symptoms, substance use concerns, homelessness, and other complex needs. The position supports admissions and discharges, maintains required observations, assists with daily needs, recognizes and communicates changes in behavior or condition, and responds to safety concerns and emergencies. Success requires compassion, sound judgment, situational awareness, teamwork, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure. The role also supports involuntary processes, clinical and interdisciplinary care, accurate EHR documentation, compliance with clinical and safety procedures, and a clean, organized therapeutic environment. The position is identified as PRN/Pool. Full-time-only benefits are listed separately from benefits available to pool, part-time, and full-time employees.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One of the following qualification pathways: at least 12 semester credit hours in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, or another social science field and two years of public or private human services experience, including one year of direct mental health care experience; or three years of direct mental health care experience in public or private human services; or, for consumers or family members, at least one year of experience as an advocate or leader in a consumer or family advocacy group and 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.
Pass Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Criminal Background Check, and Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
Complete medical screenings, including physical, TB, and drug testing.
Meet the company’s mandatory vaccination policy by being fully vaccinated with proper documentation or obtaining an exemption through the company’s exemption process before the start date.
Safely perform physical interventions involving 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.
Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Nursing, Political Science, Counseling, or a related field.
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, maintain professional boundaries, and support the organization’s “No Wrong Door” approach.
Conduct safety screenings and inventories, searches, and procedures for documenting and securing individual belongings.
Maintain required observation levels, document observations within established timeframes, 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.
Assist with the 302 process and support effective communication across disciplines involved in individual care.
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, potentially including 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.
Accurately and promptly document observations, services, interventions, and significant interactions 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

For full-time employees and their families: comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity.
For full-time employees: 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.
For full-time employees: PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays.
Company-paid parental leave available to eligible employees.
Employee Assistance Program for all employees, providing confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support.
All employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) Plan after 90 days.