Behavioral Health Specialist 1

Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) – Position Summary
Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient), Program Director (Partial), and Unit Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides direct care, safety, and therapeutic support to children and adolescents within an interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I contributes to the structure of the therapeutic milieu and is responsible for implementing, observing, and documenting milieu programming under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s core values of Compassion , Accountability , Respect , and Excellence , and to demonstrate the Success Factors that guide how we work together: Instill Trust , Value Differences , Patient and Community Focus , and Collaborate .

Key Responsibilities
A. Milieu Management & Direct Patient Care

- Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment and actively engage with assigned patients throughout the shift.

- Participate in developing and implementing milieu care plans according to unit policies.

- Maintain and document required levels of patient observation each shift.

- Support visiting parents and provide information as directed by the treatment team.

- Supervise patients during daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and hygiene.

- Identify, report, and help resolve actual or potential unit problems.

- Provide timely verbal reporting and documentation following critical incidents.

- Complete required documentation, including incident reports and intake materials.

- Participate in restraint debriefings.

- Carry out delegated assignments and report completion before shift change.

- Intervene therapeutically in disruptive or unsafe situations.

- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

B. Compliance, Training & Professional Standards

- Adhere to all Hospital, Department, and Program policies and procedures.

- Attend peer review, staff meetings, and required trainings.

- Maintain current certifications in:

- Crisis Management

- CPR

- OSHA, ERS, and Safety

- Participate in ongoing staff development.

C. Treatment Planning & Clinical Collaboration

- Support the development of a therapeutic alliance with patients and families at admission.

- Assist with the separation process and help orient patients to the hospital environment.

- Document objective observations within each shift and communicate findings to the assigned RN.

- Review milieu care plans daily and recommend revisions based on observations.

- Communicate patient care plans to unit staff and collaborate with interdisciplinary providers.

- Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, patient‑specific discussions, and hand‑off reports.

- Document significant observations in the medical record and Kardex in a timely manner.

- Share knowledge and experience with colleagues through formal and informal learning opportunities.

- Adapt care approaches to meet the developmental needs of diverse children and adolescents.

D. Therapeutic Programming & Behavioral Support

- Support and contribute to behavioral management and care plan development.

- Teach and assist with activities of daily living based on patient ability.

- Co‑lead community meetings, milieu groups, social skills groups, and program‑specific activities.

- Set consistent therapeutic limits aligned with hospital and unit standards.

- Implement behavioral programs in collaboration with the RN and treatment team.

- Organize and participate in unit activities, including physical and social development programming.

- Assist with family training and teaching visits as assigned.

- Model therapeutic interpersonal interactions with patients and families.

- Co‑lead therapy groups with clinicians.

- Support and participate in recreation therapy programs.

- Respond to crises using the least restrictive, safe intervention.

- Seek supervision proactively and incorporate feedback into performance.

- Perform other duties as assigned by the Charge RN.

- May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings based on hospital needs.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

- Baccalaureate degree in a Human Services field preferred.

- Equivalent education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.

Knowledge & Skills

- Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn role‑related skills.

- Knowledge necessary to provide developmentally and culturally informed care across the lifespan.

- Safety Care Certification required (or ability to obtain).

- Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during crisis situations.

- Ability to participate in physical management of patients, including:

- Lifting up to 50 lbs

- Reaching, grasping, bending, squatting, kneeling

- Escorting combative patients short distances

- Occasional short‑distance running

- Frequent standing, walking, and sitting

Experience

- Six months to one year of direct childcare experience with emotionally impaired youth.

Independent Action

- Works independently within established Program policies.

- Refers complex issues to a supervisor for clarification.

Supervisory Responsibility

- None.

Pay Range:
$18.13-$29.90
EEO Statement:
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:
Bradley Hospital - 1011 Veterans Memorial Pkwy East Providence, Rhode Island 02915 Work Type:
36 hours/week, every other weekend/holiday as assigned Work Shift:
Evening Daily Hours:
8 hours Driving Required:
No