Behavioral Health Specialist 1
Description
Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) – Position 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, safety, and therapeutic support to children and adolescents within an interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS I contributes to the structure of the therapeutic milieu and is responsible for implementing, observing, and documenting milieu programming under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s core values of Compassion , Accountability , Respect , and Excellence , and to demonstrate the Success Factors that guide how we work together: Instill Trust , Value Differences , Patient and Community Focus , and Collaborate .
Key Responsibilities
A. Milieu Management & Direct Patient Care
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Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment and actively engage with assigned patients throughout the shift.
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Participate in developing and implementing milieu care plans according to unit policies.
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Maintain and document required levels of patient observation each shift.
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Support visiting parents and provide information as directed by the treatment team.
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Supervise patients during daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and hygiene.
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Identify, report, and help resolve actual or potential unit problems.
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Provide timely verbal reporting and documentation following critical incidents.
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Complete required documentation, including incident reports and intake materials.
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Participate in restraint debriefings.
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Carry out delegated assignments and report completion before shift change.
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Intervene therapeutically in disruptive or unsafe situations.
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Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
B. Compliance, Training & Professional Standards
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Adhere to all Hospital, Department, and Program policies and procedures.
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Attend peer review, staff meetings, and required trainings.
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Maintain current certifications in:
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Crisis Management
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CPR
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OSHA, ERS, and Safety
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Participate in ongoing staff development.
C. Treatment Planning & Clinical Collaboration
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Support the development of a therapeutic alliance with patients and families at admission.
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Assist with the separation process and help orient patients to the hospital environment.
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Document objective observations within each shift and communicate findings to the assigned RN.
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Review milieu care plans daily and recommend revisions based on observations.
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Communicate patient care plans to unit staff and collaborate with interdisciplinary providers.
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Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, patient‑specific discussions, and hand‑off reports.
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Document significant observations in the medical record and Kardex in a timely manner.
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Share knowledge and experience with colleagues through formal and informal learning opportunities.
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Adapt care approaches to meet the developmental needs of diverse children and adolescents.
D. Therapeutic Programming & Behavioral Support
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Support and contribute to behavioral management and care plan development.
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Teach and assist with activities of daily living based on patient ability.
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Co‑lead community meetings, milieu groups, social skills groups, and program‑specific activities.
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Set consistent therapeutic limits aligned with hospital and unit standards.
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Implement behavioral programs in collaboration with the RN and treatment team.
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Organize and participate in unit activities, including physical and social development programming.
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Assist with family training and teaching visits as assigned.
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Model therapeutic interpersonal interactions with patients and families.
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Co‑lead therapy groups with clinicians.
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Support and participate in recreation therapy programs.
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Respond to crises using the least restrictive, safe intervention.
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Seek supervision proactively and incorporate feedback into performance.
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Perform other duties as assigned by the Charge RN.
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May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings based on hospital needs.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
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Baccalaureate degree in a Human Services field preferred.
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Equivalent education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.
Knowledge & Skills
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Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn role‑related skills.
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Knowledge necessary to provide developmentally and culturally informed care across the lifespan.
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Safety Care Certification required (or ability to obtain).
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Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during crisis situations.
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Ability to participate in physical management of patients, including:
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Lifting up to 50 lbs
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Reaching, grasping, bending, squatting, kneeling
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Escorting combative patients short distances
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Occasional short‑distance running
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Frequent standing, walking, and sitting
Experience
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Six months to one year of direct childcare experience with emotionally impaired youth.
Independent Action
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Works independently within established Program policies.
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Refers complex issues to a supervisor for clarification.
Supervisory Responsibility
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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:
every other weekend/holiday day shift
Work Shift:
Day
Daily Hours:
8 hours
Driving Required:
No