Behavioral Health Specialist

About the role

Under the direction of the IBT Coordinator and Clinical Director, the Behavior Health Specialist I (BHS I) is responsible for the care and safety of assigned children. As a member of the ABA treatment team, the BHS I is responsible for implementation, observation, and documentation of this program under the direction of the Clinical Director. Provides direct care ABA services to children, ages 2–8+ years.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, and demonstrate the core Success Factors: Instill Trust, Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Actively engages with assigned children throughout shifts.
• Operationalizes the ABA plan for assigned patients in their homes according to established department and unit-based procedures/policies.
• Maintains and documents level of patient observation as ordered by the Clinical Director.
• Assists in teaching children daily routines, activities of daily living, and basic hygiene needs, as assigned.
• Identifies, reports, and actively resolves potential or actual problems in the home, as able.
• Demonstrates appropriate critical incident follow-up skills by timely verbal reporting to the Clinical Director and documentation in progress notes; completes other documentation (e.g., incident reports) as applicable.
• Interrupts self-stimulatory and aggressive behaviors by providing timely therapeutic intervention(s), as directed by the Clinical Director.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and adheres to hospital, departmental, and program policies and procedures.
• Attends staff meetings, maintains current CPR, OSHA, ERS, and Safety certifications, and participates in staff development as assigned.
• Actively participates in patient care planning and treatment team review processes under the direction of the Clinical Director.
• Reviews daily drill lists and communicates with the IBT Coordinator and Clinical Director regarding child/family progress and continued concerns.
• Participates in treatment team meetings and daily reporting regarding assigned patients; is aware of department QI indicators and related responsibilities.
• Accurately documents significant patient/family observations and ABA treatment through communication on daily progress notes.
• Collects discrete trial and incidental teaching data and tracks as directed by the IBT Coordinator and Clinical Director.
• Offers information and knowledge acquired through experience to other staff via formal/informal interactions and development forums.
• Adapts care “style” to meet the needs of various children.
• Supports and contributes to the development of ABA care plans and behavioral management; assists and teaches patients in activities of daily living and personal hygiene based on patient abilities and direction from the Clinical Director and IBT Coordinator.
• Demonstrates ability to set consistent and supportive therapeutic limits within hospital, unit, and department standards.
• Institutes behavioral programs specific to the needs of the patient in collaboration with the Clinical Director and IBT Coordinator.
• Participates in children’s activities such as physical and social development activities, as directed by the Clinical Director and IBT Coordinator.
• Has reliable transportation and transports self to home-based sessions, as assigned.
• Consistently models to patients/families appropriate and therapeutic interpersonal staff/patient interactions.
• Handles crisis situations in a safe, effective manner, utilizing the least restrictive, safe patient care alternative.
• Takes the initiative to seek formal/informal supervision and incorporates suggestions for improvement/changes in job performance.
• Performs other related duties as required, assigned, or directed by the IBT Coordinator and Clinical Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing or attainment of a baccalaureate degree in a human service or related field; other education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Experience working with young children preferred.
• Training will be provided regarding principles of ABA, positive reinforcement, confidentiality, and crisis management.
• Current CPR, ERS, OSHA, and Safety certifications required.