Behavioral Health Specialist - Inpt Psychiatry Waltham - 36 hours

Position Summary

We’re looking for a Behavioral Health Specialist in our Waltham Inpatient Psychiatry Unit to provide basic care and ensure safety of patients, as delegated by a Registered Nurse.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing one-on-one support, as needed, to patients with a variety of behavioral health needs.
• Closely monitoring and maintaining the safety of patients.
• Observing behaviors and conditions in accordance with established procedures and protocols.
• In conjunction with Registered Nurse, conducting environmental checks and helps identifies risk factors.
• Aiding with the implementation of safety measures, such as physical restraints, observation levels, and suicide watches, as warranted.
• Responding to and assisting with de-escalating acute behavioral episodes in a therapeutic and supportive manner. Attempts to understand the source of distress.
• Preventing elopement and calling for support/assistance when necessary to assist in preventing elopement.
• Identifying patient behaviors that could lead to behavioral escalation and utilizes non-verbal and verbal techniques to de-escalate situations.
• Actively monitoring patients and the environment with particular attention to safety concerns.
• Completing patient care documentation and administrative duties.
• Under the direction of Registered Nurse, may assist practitioners performing medical procedures.

Schedule

Day/evening rotating, occasional nights, every other weekend and rotating holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A HS Diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience: Experience working with children/adolescents, facilitating group activities, working with patients with behavioral health challenges preferred. 1-2 Years of experience as a Behavioral Health, Mental Health Counselor or similar role in a similar setting preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and de-escalation certification per facility protocol/procedure within 1 month of hire.