Behavioral Health Specialist (FT, Nights)

Company Overview

Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate‑access behavioral health crisis care. Founded by emergency‑room psychiatrists, the physician‑led, data‑driven model stabilizes individuals in crisis and connects them to community‑based resources. Recognized by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as a national best practice, the organization is dedicated to improving access, inspiring hope, and providing the right support.

Pay

Virginia pay range: $21.56 – $25.44 USD per hour.

• + $2/hr for Monday‑Thursday nights
• + $3/hr for Friday‑Sunday nights
• + $2/hr for Saturday‑Sunday days

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain safety of individuals and staff on the unit.
• Take vitals, assist individuals with activities of daily living, and provide exceptional customer service.
• Document services and significant interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Conduct security screening and inventory property upon admission.
• Provide orientation to the Observation Unit and Short‑term Inpatient Unit.
• Educate individuals on their rights, grievance process, expectations, and unit rules.
• Intervene with escalated individuals using therapeutic de‑escalation techniques; perform restraints or seclusions when necessary.
• Complete 1‑to‑1 monitoring for individuals in seclusion or mechanical restraints for 15 minutes.
• Lift, move, and transport individuals using proper body mechanics.
• Conduct and document BAL, urine drug screens, and urine pregnancy tests.
• Attend court‑ordered hearings when subpoenaed and provide testimony.
• Monitor and document individuals every 15 minutes.
• Maintain cleanliness of the facility and assigned unit, including light cleaning, linen collection, and laundering.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of behavioral health experience.
• Ability to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques.
• Mandatory vaccination policy – full COVID‑19 vaccination with documentation or approved exemption.
• Virginia fingerprint clearance.
• Pass Virginia DBHDS background check.
• Pass Virginia DSS Office of Background Investigations – Central Registry Search.
• Obtain a Food Handlers Card for the State of Virginia (required for BHS/RSS positions).
• Physical ability to safely perform interventions (standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, supporting another person’s weight).
• Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lb occasionally.
• Endure prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast‑paced environment.
• Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified training in Safe Clinch, CPR, First Aid, or therapeutic interventions.
• Completion of a CNA or Patient Care Technician program.
• Completion of BHT certification.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity).
• Basic Life, AD&D, Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability paid by the company.
• Voluntary life insurance options for employees and families.
• Health Savings Account with $1,000–$2,000 employer contribution (depending on plan).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care).
• 401(k) company match after 6 months (50 % of deferrals up to 6 % of compensation).
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually plus 12 recognized company holidays.
• Company‑paid parental leave for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential emotional, financial, legal, and work‑life support.
• Automatic enrollment in the 401(k) plan after 90 days.
• Second‑Chance Employer status.