Behavioral Health Specialist I

Summary

The Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides care and ensures the safety of children and adolescents in an inpatient or partial hospital setting. Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager/Program Director and Unit Charge RN, the BHS I helps maintain a therapeutic milieu, supports daily routines, and documents patient observations. This role is an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.

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 and document milieu care plans as directed by nursing staff.
• Maintain required levels of patient observation and record them each shift.
• Support visiting parents and provide information as requested by the treatment team.
• Assist with daily routines, activities of daily living, and hygiene needs.
• Identify and report safety concerns or incidents promptly.
• Complete required documentation, including incident reports and intake information.
• 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 staff meetings, peer review, 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 in shift notes and communicate them to the RN.
• Review and suggest updates to milieu care plans based on daily observations.
• Communicate patient needs and care plans to other staff and treatment providers.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, and hand‑off reports.
• Document significant observations in the medical record in a timely manner.
• Share knowledge with colleagues and adapt care approaches to meet individual needs.

Behavioral & Therapeutic Support

• Support development and implementation of behavioral care plans.
• Teach and assist with daily living skills based on patient ability.
• Co‑lead community meetings, social skills groups, and program‑specific groups.
• Set consistent therapeutic limits aligned with program standards.
• Follow 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.
• Participate in recreation therapy programs.
• Manage crises safely using the least restrictive interventions.
• Seek supervision and incorporate feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred.
• Equivalent education/experience may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Willingness and aptitude to learn role‑related 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 or holding patients using approved methods
  • 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

M-F 7:00am - 3:30pm

Work Shift

Day

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

Yes

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