Behavioral Health Specialist (Full Time, .75 Days)

About Us

We’re not just behavioral health people—we’re crisis people. Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery. Founded by emergency room psychiatrists Dr. Chris Carson and Dr. Robert Williamson, our model is physician-led and data-driven, drawing upon more than 15 years of crisis care expertise. Recognized by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as a national best practice, we’ve delivered invaluable treatment to hundreds of thousands of individuals facing crises. Our commitment remains consistent: to improve access, inspire hope, and provide the right support.

Our values shape our decisions, define our culture, and foster continuous learning and growth. We accept people as they are, creating safe spaces where they feel valued and respected. We inspire hope by walking with people side-by-side, showing them grace and compassion. We act with intention, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and doing the right thing. We work as one team, trusting and supporting each other. We embrace change and innovation, striving to find better ways to fulfill our mission. We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference.

Pay

Earn more with shift differentials:

• +$2/hr → Monday-Thursday Nights
• +$3/hr → Friday-Sunday Nights
• +$2/hr → Saturday-Sunday Days

Actual compensation is based on relevant experience, education, internal equity, and budget. Pay range: $26 - $29 USD (Kirkland, Washington).

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the safety of individuals and staff.
• Take vitals and assist individuals in meeting their needs while on the unit by providing exceptional customer service.
• Document services provided and significant interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Conduct security screening and inventory property of individuals upon admission to the facility.
• Provide orientation to the Observation Unit and Short-term Inpatient Unit.
• Educate individuals on their rights under DBHDS and DMAS regulations, grievance process, provide expectations, and explain rules and regulations.
• Maintain safety of the unit; intervene with escalated individuals using therapeutic techniques for de-escalation.
• Perform restraints or seclusions (if applicable) when needed to ensure the individual’s safety and the safety of others.
• Complete 1-to-1 monitoring of an individual in seclusion or mechanical restraints for 15 minutes.
• Lift, move, and transport individuals using proper body mechanics or accident prevention.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring.
• Conduct and document individuals' vitals and report all questionable results to the RN/Physician attending the individual.
• Conduct and document all BAL, urine drug screens, and urine pregnancy tests.
• Attend court-ordered hearings when subpoenaed and serve as a witness on a petition, providing testimony at court-ordered hearings.
• Monitor and document individuals every 15 minutes.
• Maintain and ensure the cleanliness of the facility and designated assigned unit.
• Perform light cleaning of the interior center, collect soiled linen, and launder individuals' clothing when needed.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of behavioral health or relevant experience/competency of the job.
• Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques.
• Complete all credentialing requirements within the required time period, including but not limited to obtaining a National Provider Identifier (NPI), Medallion enrollment, Medicare enrollment, and any other necessary credentials as required for the role.
• Must be able to obtain a Washington State Food Handler's Card (BHS and RSS positions).

Physical Requirements

• Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person’s weight).
• Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Tolerate 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 (Safe Clinch, therapeutic options, etc.).
• Completion of CNA or Patient Care Tech program.
• Completion of BHT certification.

Benefits

Full-time only:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity for employees and their families.
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability.
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families.
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care).
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation).
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays.
• Company-paid parental leave available to eligible employees.

All Employees (Pool, Part-time, and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support.
• After 90 days, you are auto-enrolled in the 401k Plan.

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance Employer.