Summary

Overview The Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS I) provides direct care, safety, and therapeutic support to children and adolescents in inpatient or partial psychiatric programs. Working under the Clinical Nurse Manager, Program Director, and Charge RN, the BHS I helps structure the therapeutic milieu, contributes to daily programming, and documents patient observations under RN supervision. Employees are expected to model Brown University Health’s values—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—and demonstrate collaboration, trust-building, and respect for differences.

Key Responsibilities

1. Maintain a Safe & Therapeutic Environment

• Engage with assigned children throughout the shift.

• Implement and document physician/RN‑ordered observation levels.

• Assist with daily routines, ADLs, and hygiene needs.

• Support visiting parents per treatment team direction.

• Identify and report safety concerns or unit issues.

• Provide timely therapeutic interventions during disruptive or unsafe situations.

• Complete incident reports, intakes, and participate in restraint debriefings.

• Follow delegated assignments and report back before shift change.

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

2. Follow Policies & Maintain Required Certifications

• Adhere to all hospital, departmental, and program policies.

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

• Maintain current CPR, crisis management, OSHA, ERS, and Safety certifications.

3. Participate in Patient Care Planning

• Support therapeutic rapport with patients and families during admission.

• Document objective observations in shift notes and communicate them to the RN.

• Review and suggest updates to milieu care plans and problem lists.

• Share patient information with interdisciplinary team members.

• Participate in rounds, treatment team meetings, and handoff reports.

• Document significant observations in the Kardex and medical record.

• Adapt care approaches to meet developmental and cultural needs.

4. Support Behavioral & Therapeutic Programming

• Teach and assist with ADLs based on patient abilities.

• Co‑lead community meetings, social skills groups, and activity/recreation groups.

• Set and maintain consistent therapeutic limits.

• Implement individualized behavioral programs with RN and treatment team guidance.

• Organize and participate in unit activities and developmental programming.

• Assist with family teaching visits and parent training.

• Model appropriate therapeutic interactions with patients and families.

• Co‑lead therapy groups with clinicians and support recreation therapy programs.

• Manage crises safely using least‑restrictive interventions.

• Seek supervision and integrate feedback into practice.

• Perform additional duties as assigned and assist in other programs when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn required skills.

• Knowledge of lifespan development, cultural considerations, and psychiatric care needs.

• Safety Care Certification (provided upon hire).

Experience

• 6 months to 1 year of direct childcare experience with emotionally impaired youth.

Physical & Behavioral Requirements

• Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions during crises.

• Skilled in de‑escalation and, when necessary, approved physical interventions.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, block/deflect aggression, hold struggling patients, run short distances, and perform frequent standing, walking, and sitting.

Independence & Supervision

• Works independently within program policies.

• Refers complex issues to supervisors.

• No supervisory responsibilities.

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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