Behavioral Health Specialist II

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager, Program Director, and Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist II (BHS II) provides care, supervision, and safety for children and adolescents in an inpatient behavioral health setting. As part of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the BHS II helps maintain a structured, therapeutic milieu, implements treatment activities, and observes and documents patient progress under RN supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains the therapeutic milieu as delegated by the Charge RN and promptly reports concerns or changes.
• Provides advanced childcare and behavioral support within demonstrated areas of competency.
• Utilizes safe, effective crisis prevention and intervention techniques.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of trauma-informed care and interacts with patients and families with empathy, compassion, and respect.
• Organizes and leads therapeutic activities and assists in training and mentoring BHS I staff.
• Serves as a role model for less-experienced staff and provides guidance during patient activities.
• Assists with onboarding and orienting new BHS I staff under the direction of leadership.
• Communicates patient behavior changes, safety concerns, and milieu issues to the Charge RN.
• Addresses workplace concerns professionally and escalates issues appropriately.
• Takes initiative to improve patient care, programming, and the overall therapeutic environment.
• May be assigned specialized responsibilities based on unit needs.
• Demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge and sound judgment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a Human Services-related field preferred. Relevant education and experience may be substituted at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.
• Experience: Six months to one year of direct childcare experience with similar patient populations.
• Certifications: Current Bradley Hospital Safety Care Certification and Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• Knowledge & Skills: Ability to provide age-appropriate care while considering developmental, cultural, and behavioral needs; strong communication, observation, and crisis-management skills; ability to remain calm, make quick decisions, and prioritize patient safety during emergencies; commitment to trauma-informed, patient-centered care.
• Physical Requirements: This role requires working with psychiatrically impaired, suicidal, aggressive, and occasionally self-injurious patients. Employees must be able to build therapeutic rapport and use de-escalation techniques; participate in approved physical interventions when necessary to maintain safety; lift up to 50 pounds; bend, squat, kneel, reach, grasp, and physically escort patients; stand for extended periods and occasionally run short distances; safely manage physically demanding situations involving resistant or struggling patients.
• Independence & Supervision: Works independently within established program policies and procedures; refers complex issues or policy-related questions to the Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) or Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM); no supervisory responsibilities.

Pay Range

$19.97-$32.96

Location

1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway - Campus - N/A Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type

Evenings, weekends, and holidays

Work Shift

Evening

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

Yes