Behavioral Health Specialist I

Bradley Hospital A Brown University Health Entity

As Rhode Island’s largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is committed to clinical excellence and devoted to our mission of delivering health with care. Bradley Hospital is hiring a Behavioral Health Specialist I to support the therapeutic milieu and provide compassionate, structured care to children and adolescents within our inpatient and partial programs.

Responsibilities

• Therapeutic Milieu Support — Maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment; actively engage with assigned children throughout the shift.

• Patient Observation — Maintain and document observation levels as ordered by the physician or Charge RN.

• Daily Care & Routines — Supervise children in daily routines, assist with activities of daily living, and support basic hygiene needs.

• Crisis Response — Intervene in disruptive or unsafe situations using safe, effective, least‑restrictive crisis‑management techniques.

• Documentation — Complete shift notes, incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and promptly.

• Family Support — Provide support and information to visiting parents as directed by the treatment team.

• Collaboration — Participate in treatment team meetings, rounds, shift reports, and patient‑specific discussions.

• Care Planning — Review and contribute to milieu care plans; communicate updates to the interdisciplinary team.

• Group & Activity Support — Co‑lead community meetings, social skills groups, recreation activities, and program‑specific groups.

• Behavioral Programs — Follow individualized behavioral plans and set consistent, supportive therapeutic limits.

• Recreation & Skill‑Building — Organize and participate in physical, social, and developmental activities for children.

• Professional Development — Maintain certifications (CPR, crisis management, OSHA, Safety), attend staff meetings, and participate in training.

• Cross‑Program Support — May be asked to support comparable duties in other clinical settings as program needs arise.

Qualifications

• Education — Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

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

• Certifications — Current Bradley Hospital Safety‑Care Certification and BLS certification (or ability to obtain).

• Skills & Abilities

  • Demonstrated willingness to learn role‑related skills.

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

  • Ability to adapt care style to meet the needs of diverse children and adolescents.

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Physical Requirements — Ability to:

  • Lift up to 50 lbs

  • Block/deflect aggression

  • Physically hold patients using approved methods

  • Bend, squat, kneel without limitation

  • Escort patients who may become combative

  • Run short distances

  • Stand, walk, and sit frequently

Why Work for Bradley Hospital?

• Join the nation’s first psychiatric hospital exclusively for children.

• Build foundational experience for careers in behavioral health, nursing, education, or social work.

• Gain specialized training in crisis management and trauma‑informed care.

• Work within a supportive, multidisciplinary team dedicated to child mental health.

• Enjoy the stability and benefits of being part of the Brown University Health system.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with shift differentials

• 401(k) with a 6% employer match

• Tuition Assistance Reimbursement – up to $3,500/year

• Student loan repayment for full‑time employees – $75/month

• Pet insurance

• Additional family‑friendly benefits supporting your health and well‑being

About Brown University Health

Brown University Health uses a multidisciplinary team approach to provide the right blend of autonomy and collaboration. If you share our passion for delivering exceptional care, join one of the nation’s Top 100 health systems.

About Bradley Hospital

Bradley Hospital, an affiliate of Brown University Health and a teaching hospital for the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, is the nation’s first psychiatric hospital exclusively for children. It provides expert, family‑centered care across inpatient, outpatient, residential, and partial programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetics, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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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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