About this role
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:
$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