Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient)/Program Director (Partial) and Unit Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist II (BHS II) provides care and ensures the safety of children and adolescents as part of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The BHS II contributes to the development of the daily therapeutic milieu schedule 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

In addition to all duties of a Behavioral Health Specialist I:

• Maintain the milieu as delegated by the Charge RN and report any variations immediately.

• Function independently in areas of demonstrated competence, providing advanced childcare and behavioral support.

• Consistently use safe, effective crisis‑management techniques.

• Suggest innovative improvements to enhance the quality of milieu care.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of trauma and maintain an empathetic, compassionate, nonjudgmental approach with children and families.

• Take initiative in organizing therapeutic unit activities and support BHS I staff in learning these skills.

• Provide guidance, monitoring, and role modeling to less‑senior staff.

• Orient new BHS I staff in a thorough and organized manner under the direction of the CNM.

• Report peer concerns promptly to the Charge RN and/or ANM/CNM.

• Communicate assertively and respectfully with appropriate staff regarding concerns or conflicts.

• Perform specialized responsibilities as assigned by the Charge RN, CNM, or Nursing Director.

• Provide daily feedback to the Charge RN regarding changes in patient behavior and milieu issues.

• Demonstrate enhanced clinical expertise.

• Perform comparable duties in other clinical settings as needed based on program demands.

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.

• Bradley Hospital Safety Care Certification required (or enrollment in course).

• 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 patients as needed

  • Occasional short‑distance running

  • Frequent standing

Experience/Requirements

• Six months to one year of direct childcare experience with similar populations.

• Current Bradley Hospital Safety Care Certification.

• Current BLS certification.

Independent Action

• Works independently within program policies; refers complex issues to ANM/CNM.

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.

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