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 part of an interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I helps create and maintain a structured, therapeutic milieu and carries out daily programming, observation, and documentation under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

All Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, as well as core Success Factors including:

• 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 children throughout the shift.
• Support activities of daily living, hygiene, routines, and transitions.
• Maintain ordered levels of patient observation and document appropriately.
• Identify and respond to safety concerns, behavioral crises, or disruptive situations using therapeutic interventions and least restrictive approaches.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Participate in crisis responses, restraint procedures, and debriefings as required.
• Provide support and information to families per treatment team direction.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate, timely documentation (shift notes, Kardex updates, incident reports, intakes, etc.).
• Verbally report critical incidents to the Charge RN.
• Share objective observations with assigned RN and treatment team.
• Participate in shift reports, treatment team meetings, rounds, and handoffs.

Milieu & Program Support

• Assist in developing and implementing patient‑specific milieu and behavioral care plans.
• Communicate care plans to other staff and interdisciplinary team members.
• Co‑lead community meetings, social skills groups, activity groups, recreation therapy, and other program‑specific groups.
• Organize and participate in unit activities that support physical, social, and emotional development.
• Model appropriate and therapeutic interactions for patients and families.
• Assist with family education, teaching visits, and admissions as assigned.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow all hospital, department, and program policies and procedures.
• Maintain required certifications (Crisis Management/Safety Care, CPR, OSHA, ERS, Safety).
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, peer review, and staff development activities.
• Seek supervision and incorporate feedback into practice.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• May be asked to work in other comparable clinical settings within the hospital system based on program needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, cultural considerations, and lifespan care.
• Willingness and ability to learn role‑related skills.

Experience

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

Physical & Crisis Response Requirements

• Ability to remain calm and make safe, rational decisions during crisis situations.

• Ability to use approved de‑escalation and physical management techniques when necessary.

• Must be able to:

  • Lift up to 50 pounds
  • Stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, kneel, and run short distances
  • Physically escort or assist patients who may become combative

Additional Information

• Performs independently within program policies; escalates complex issues to supervisors as needed.
• No supervisory responsibilities.

Pay Range

$18.13-$29.90

Location

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

Work Type

3 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.