Behavioral Health Specialist 2

Behavioral Health Specialist II (BHS II)

Summary

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient) or Program Director (Partial) and Unit Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist II (BHS II) provides care and ensures the safety of children and adolescents as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team.

The BHS II supports the development and daily implementation of a structured therapeutic milieu, including observation and documentation, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, as well as demonstrate the core Success Factors that guide how we work together:

• Instill Trust
• Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaboration

Responsibilities

In addition to the duties of a Behavioral Health Specialist I, the BHS II:

• Maintains the therapeutic milieu as delegated by the Charge RN and immediately reports any variations
• Functions independently in areas of demonstrated competence
• Consistently utilizes safe and effective crisis management techniques
• Identifies and suggests innovative improvements to enhance milieu care
• Demonstrates an understanding of trauma and maintains an empathetic, compassionate, and nonjudgmental approach with children and families
• Organizes therapeutic unit activities and supports BHS I staff in learning these skills
• Provides guidance, monitoring, and role modeling to less‑senior staff
• Assists with orienting new BHS I staff under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager
• Communicates peer concerns promptly to the Charge RN and/or ANM/CNM
• Communicates assertively and respectfully regarding issues or conflict
• May assume specialized responsibilities as assigned by leadership
• Provides daily feedback to the Charge RN regarding patient behavior and milieu concerns
• Demonstrates enhanced clinical expertise

While hired for a specific program, staff may be asked to perform comparable duties in other clinical settings as organizational needs arise.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred
• Equivalent education and experience may be considered at the Hiring Manager’s discretion
• Demonstrated aptitude and willingness to learn role‑related skills
• Knowledge of human development, cultural patterns, and age‑appropriate care across the lifespan

Experience & Certifications

• 6 months to 1 year of direct childcare experience with similar populations
• Current Bradley Hospital Safety Care Certification
• Current BLS Certification

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Employees work in a psychiatric setting that may involve caring for suicidal, aggressive, or self‑injurious individuals. Staff must be able to remain calm during crises, use de‑escalation techniques, and participate in physical management when required using approved methods.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Standing frequently and occasional running for short distances
• Reaching, grasping, bending, squatting, kneeling, and physically escorting patients as needed

Independent Action

• Performs duties independently within program policies
• Refers complex issues to the ANM or CNM as appropriate

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Pay Range

$19.97 – $32.96

Location

Bradley Hospital
1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway
East Providence, Rhode Island 02915

Schedule Details

• 5 shifts (Week 1), 4 shifts (Week 2)
• Every other weekend and holiday
• Variable shift
• 8‑hour shifts

Brown University Health is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free of unlawful discrimination and harassment.