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

EEO Statement:

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

Location:

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

Work Type:

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

Work Shift:

Night

Daily Hours: 

8 hours

Driving Required:

No