Behavioral Health Specialist (Pool/PRN)

About the role

Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the safety and well-being of individuals and staff within the unit, ensuring high standards of care and support for both adults and youth.
• Conduct vital signs assessments, assist individuals with daily needs, and provide exceptional customer service.
• Accurately document services provided and significant interactions in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Greet and receive visitors, ensuring security by following established procedures, monitoring the logbook, and issuing visitor badges.
• Conduct security screenings and inventory personal property upon admission.
• Provide orientation to the Observation Unit and Short-term Inpatient Unit, educating individuals on their rights, grievance processes, expectations, and facility rules in accordance with Pennsylvania State regulations.
• Maintain unit safety through continuous monitoring and intervention.
• Use therapeutic techniques to de-escalate situations with escalated individuals, performing restraints or seclusions when necessary to ensure safety.
• Monitor individuals in seclusion or mechanical restraints in prescribed intervals.
• Direct Care Support: Assist with activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring.
• Lift, move, and transport individuals using proper body mechanics and accident prevention techniques.
• Conduct and document vital signs, blood alcohol levels (BAL), urine drug screens, and urine pregnancy tests, reporting any questionable results to the RN or attending physician.
• Attend court-ordered hearings when subpoenaed, serve as a witness on petitions, and provide testimony as needed.
• Facility Maintenance: Ensure the cleanliness of the facility and assigned units by performing light cleaning, collecting soiled linens, and laundering individuals' clothing as necessary.
• Maintain overall safety and hygiene within the facility.
• Collaborate with the clinical team to communicate any concerns regarding an individual's psychiatric or medical presentation to the appropriate discipline.
• Involuntary Process Assistance: Assist with the 302 process, serving as a liaison between departments and ensuring effective communication across multiple disciplines involved in individual care.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and: At least 12 semester credit hours in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, or another social science field, and two (2) years of experience in public or private human services, including one (1) year of direct mental health care experience OR Three (3) years of direct mental health care experience in public or private human services OR Consumer or family members with: At least one (1) year of experience as an advocate or leader in a consumer or family advocacy group.
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques.
• Pass the following background checks: Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Nursing, Political Science, Counseling, or related field.

Skills

• Certified training (Safe Clinch, CPR First Aid, therapeutic options, etc.).

Benefits

• Full-time only: Comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity.
• 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.

Pay

• Maximize Your Earnings With Additional Hourly Pay +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights+$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights+$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days

Schedule

• Full-time only.