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.

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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.

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