Behavioral Health Specialist

Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I)

Inpatient / Partial Program

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 and ensures the safety of children and adolescents as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I supports the development and implementation of a structured therapeutic milieu, including daily programming, patient observation, and documentation, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, which guide interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. Employees are also expected to demonstrate the following core Success Factors:

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

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Safety

• Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.
• Actively engage and supervise assigned patients throughout the shift.
• Participate in the development and implementation of patient‑specific milieu care plans.
• Maintain and document physician‑ or RN‑ordered levels of patient observation.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, personal hygiene, routines, and transitions.
• Intervene promptly in disruptive or unsafe situations using therapeutic, least‑restrictive interventions.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Provide support and information to families per treatment team direction.
• Participate in crisis response, restraint procedures, and post‑incident debriefings as required.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including shift notes, Kardex updates, medical records, incident reports, and intakes as applicable.
• Verbally report critical incidents and safety concerns to the Charge RN.
• Share objective patient observations with the assigned RN.
• Participate in shift handoffs, treatment team meetings, rounds, and patient‑specific discussions.

Care Planning & Milieu Support

• Actively participate in patient care planning under the direction of the RN.
• Support the development of a therapeutic alliance with patients and families at admission.
• Assist with separation and transition into the hospital environment.
• Review milieu care plans and problem lists daily and suggest updates based on observations.
• Communicate patient care plans to unit staff and interdisciplinary team members.
• Adapt care approach to meet the developmental, emotional, and cultural needs of children and adolescents.

Groups, Activities & Family Engagement

• Co‑lead community meetings, milieu meetings, social skills groups, activity groups, recreation therapy, and other program‑specific groups.
• Organize and participate in unit activities promoting physical, social, and emotional development.
• Assist with family education, teaching visits, and parent training as assigned.
• Consistently model therapeutic, professional interactions for patients and families.
• Collaborate with clinicians when co‑leading therapy groups.

Professional Responsibilities

• Adhere to all hospital, departmental, and program policies and procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, peer review, and staff development activities as assigned.
• Maintain required certifications, including Crisis Management/Safety Care, CPR/BLS, OSHA, ERS, and Safety.
• Seek supervision and incorporate feedback to improve practice and performance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Charge RN.
• May be asked to provide comparable services in other clinical settings across the hospital system as program needs arise.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child and adolescent development, lifespan care, and cultural considerations.
• Aptitude and willingness to learn role‑specific skills.

Experience

• Six months to one year of direct experience working with emotionally impaired youth.

Crisis Response & Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain calm, make sound decisions, and prioritize safety in crisis situations.

• Ability to use approved de‑escalation and physical management techniques as needed.

• Must be able to:

  • Lift up to 50 pounds
  • Stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, kneel, reach, and grasp
  • Occasionally run short distances
  • Physically escort patients for short distances using approved methods

Independent Action & Supervision

• Performs duties independently within established program policies.
• Refers complex or unclear issues to a supervisor for guidance.
• No supervisory responsibilities.

Pay Range

$18.13-$29.90

Location

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

Work Type

4 shifts per week, 7am-3:30pm, every other weekend and holiday

Work Shift

Day

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.