Behavioral Health Specialist I

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 care and ensures the safety of children and adolescents as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I contributes to the daily structure of the therapeutic milieu and implements, observes, and documents all aspects of the program under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Employees are expected to model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate the Success Factors of Instilling Trust, Valuing Differences, Patient & Community Focus, and Collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Milieu Support & Direct Care

• Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.
• Engage with assigned children throughout the shift.
• Implement milieu care plans according to unit and department policies.
• Maintain and document required levels of patient observation each shift.
• Support visiting parents and provide information as directed by the treatment team.
• Supervise children in daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and hygiene.
• Identify, report, and help resolve safety or behavioral concerns.
• Provide timely verbal and written follow‑up after critical incidents.
• Complete required documentation, including incident reports and intakes.
• Participate in restraint debriefings.
• Carry out daily assignments and report completion to the Charge RN.
• Intervene in disruptive or unsafe situations using approved therapeutic techniques.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Professional Standards

• Follow all hospital, departmental, and program policies.
• Attend peer review, staff meetings, and required trainings.
• Maintain current certifications in crisis management, CPR, OSHA, ERS, and safety.
• Participate in ongoing staff development.

Patient Care & Collaboration

• Participate in patient care planning under the direction of the RN.
• Support the initial therapeutic alliance with patients and families during admission.
• Assist with the separation process and transition to the hospital environment.
• Document objective observations within each shift and communicate them to the RN.
• Review and suggest updates to milieu care plans based on daily observations.
• Communicate patient care plans to unit staff and collaborate with interdisciplinary providers.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, patient‑specific discussions, and shift reports.
• Document significant observations and interventions in the medical record in a timely manner.
• Share knowledge with colleagues and adapt care approaches to meet individual needs.

Behavioral & Therapeutic Support

• Teach and assist patients with daily living skills and personal hygiene based on ability.
• Co‑lead community meetings, milieu meetings, and social skills groups.
• Co‑lead program‑specific groups such as activity or recreation groups.
• Set consistent therapeutic limits aligned with program standards.
• Implement individualized behavioral programs in collaboration with the RN and treatment team.
• Organize and participate in unit activities, including physical and social development.
• Assist with family teaching visits and parent training as assigned.
• Model appropriate therapeutic interactions with patients and families.
• Co‑lead therapy groups with a clinician.
• Support and participate in recreation therapy programs.
• Manage crises safely using the least restrictive interventions.
• Seek supervision proactively and incorporate feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings as program needs arise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred.
• Equivalent education/experience may be considered.
• Must demonstrate aptitude and willingness to learn role‑related skills.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to provide developmentally appropriate care across the lifespan.

• Safety Care Certification required (training provided).

• Ability to remain calm and make quick, rational decisions during crises.

• 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 program policies; refers complex issues to supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None.

Pay Range

$18.13-$29.90

Location

Bradley Hospital - 1011 Veterans Memorial Pkwy East Providence, Rhode Island 02915

Work Type

36 hours, 11p-7:30a, every other weekend and holiday as assigned

Work Shift

Night

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

No

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