Behavioral Health Specialist 1

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

• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment and actively engage with assigned patients throughout the shift.

• Participate in developing and implementing milieu care plans according to unit policies.

• Maintain and document required levels of patient observation each shift.

• Support visiting parents and provide information as directed by the treatment team.

• Supervise patients during daily routines and assist with activities of daily living and hygiene.

• Identify, report, and help resolve actual or potential unit problems.

• Provide timely verbal reporting and documentation following critical incidents.

• Complete required documentation, including incident reports and intake materials.

• Participate in restraint debriefings.

• Carry out delegated assignments and report completion before shift change.

• Intervene therapeutically in disruptive or unsafe situations.

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

B. Compliance, Training & Professional Standards

• Adhere to all Hospital, Department, and Program policies and procedures.

• Attend peer review, staff meetings, and required trainings.

• Maintain current certifications in:

  • Crisis Management

  • CPR

  • OSHA, ERS, and Safety

• Participate in ongoing staff development.

C. Treatment Planning & Clinical Collaboration

• Support the development of a therapeutic alliance with patients and families at admission.

• Assist with the separation process and help orient patients to the hospital environment.

• Document objective observations within each shift and communicate findings to the assigned RN.

• Review milieu care plans daily and recommend revisions based on observations.

• Communicate patient care plans to unit staff and collaborate with interdisciplinary providers.

• Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, patient‑specific discussions, and hand‑off reports.

• Document significant observations in the medical record and Kardex in a timely manner.

• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues through formal and informal learning opportunities.

• Adapt care approaches to meet the developmental needs of diverse children and adolescents.

D. Therapeutic Programming & Behavioral Support

• Support and contribute to behavioral management and care plan development.

• Teach and assist with activities of daily living based on patient ability.

• Co‑lead community meetings, milieu groups, social skills groups, and program‑specific activities.

• Set consistent therapeutic limits aligned with hospital and unit standards.

• Implement behavioral programs in collaboration with the RN and treatment team.

• Organize and participate in unit activities, including physical and social development programming.

• Assist with family training and teaching visits as assigned.

• Model therapeutic interpersonal interactions with patients and families.

• Co‑lead therapy groups with clinicians.

• Support and participate in recreation therapy programs.

• Respond to crises using the least restrictive, safe intervention.

• Seek supervision proactively and incorporate feedback into performance.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Charge RN.

• May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings based on hospital needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Baccalaureate degree in a Human Services field preferred.

• Equivalent education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn role‑related skills.

• Knowledge necessary to provide developmentally and culturally informed care across the lifespan.

• Safety Care Certification required (or ability to obtain).

• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during crisis situations.

• 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 established Program policies.

• Refers complex issues to a supervisor for clarification.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None.

Pay Range:

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:

Work Type:

Work Shift:

Daily Hours:

Driving Required: