Behavioral Health Coordinator

About the role

The Behavioral Health Coordinator supports the delivery of mental health services within the hospital setting by coordinating patient care, facilitating communication between healthcare providers, and ensuring patients receive appropriate behavioral health interventions. This role works closely with clinical staff, social workers, and community resources to develop individualized care plans and monitor patient progress.

Responsibilities

• Leads group and social activities for patients.
• Works closely with nursing, social services, and activity therapy to plan groups matching patient skill levels.
• Charts patient response to coordinated group and social activities.
• Assists with the admission or intake process as directed by the nurse.
• Provides assistance in the group setting under the direction of the nurse or therapist.
• Advises patients in community group settings about sanitation and hygiene (e.g., flossing, handwashing) as it relates to general health.
• Redirects patients and uses proper techniques to prevent aggression, falls, and/or injury.
• Documents behavior observation records, environmental safety rounds/checks, sleep hours, ADLs, and vital signs.
• Assists in moving patients on and off the unit or assigned area.
• Notifies nurse, therapist, or physician of patient behaviors, needs, and safety concerns.
• Participates in the treatment team process by providing input on patient responses to group activities.
• Interacts with patients one-on-one in a therapeutic manner and reports relevant information to nursing.
• Orients patients to the unit and programming schedules.
• Answers phones professionally and delivers messages as needed.
• Maintains a therapeutic milieu for patients by leading group and social/leisure activities.
• Conducts patient safety checks as required.
• Obtains and dispenses patient belongings appropriately during admission, discharge, and throughout their stay.
• Follows organizational infection control procedures, including handwashing and cleaning.
• Inspects for contraband items as appropriate.
• Monitors patients for potential hazards.
• Conducts environmental safety checks and notifies the nurse of issues.
• Completes 10 hours of assigned Behavioral Health/Leadership CBLs and learning activities, such as "how to conduct a group activity."

Requirements

• Previous experience required.
• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in an associated healthcare field (e.g., social services, psychology, sociology).
• BLS and CPI certification within 60 days of employment.

Skills

• Compassionate patient care.
• Computer skills.
• Effective communication.
• Active listening.
• Attention to detail.
• Therapeutic communication (leading groups).