Behavioral Health Specialist - Safety & Security (FT, Days)

About the role

The Behavioral Health Specialist (Safety & Security) is responsible for managing and maintaining the safety and well-being of individuals, visitors, and staff within the facility. This role provides front entrance safety and security by greeting and screening all visitors, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and supporting a welcoming environment. In addition to security responsibilities, the specialist assists with individual care needs, conducts vital signs assessments, and supports daily living activities for both adults and youth. The role also provides coverage on the units as a Behavioral Health Specialist, ensuring high standards of care and accurate documentation of services and significant interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Responsibilities

• Conducts security screening and inventories property of individuals upon admission to the facility.
• Provides orientation to the Observation Unit and Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Educates individuals on their rights under DBHDS and DMAS regulations, grievance process, provides expectations, and explains rules and regulations.
• Maintains safety of the unit and monitors and documents individuals every 15 minutes.
• Intervenes with escalated individuals using therapeutic techniques for de-escalation and performs restraints or seclusions (if applicable) when needed to ensure the individual's safety and the safety of others.
• Completes 1-to-1 on an individual in seclusion or mechanical restraints every 15 minutes for the duration of the event.
• Lifts, moves, and transports individuals, using proper body mechanics or accident prevention.
• Assists individuals with activities of daily living to include eating, bathing, and dressing.
• Conducts and documents individual's vitals and reports all questionable results to the RN/Physician attending the individual.
• Conducts and documents all BAL, urine drug screens and urine pregnancy tests.
• Attends court ordered hearings when subpoenaed and be a witness on a petition and provide testimony at court ordered hearing.
• Documents all services and significant individual interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Responsible for maintaining and ensuring the cleanliness of the facility and designated assigned unit.
• Performs light cleaning of interior center, collects soiled linen, and launders individuals clothing when needed.
• Complete all required training, attend monthly meetings, and maintain required competencies.
• Must be physically able to perform Safe Clinch restraint techniques and CPR, including the ability to move quickly in response to emergent situations.

Safety & security responsibilities

• Providing safety and security at the facility's front entrance
• Greeting and welcoming patients, families, and visitors in a professional and supportive manner
• Ensuring all visitors are screened (metal detector or handheld wand)
• Monitoring that all personal belongings are placed in lockers prior to entry
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of behavioral health experience
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company's exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• State of Virginia Fingerprint Clearance
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (VA DBHDS) background check
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Social Services (VA DSS) Office of Background Investigations - Central Registry Search
• Must be able to obtain a Food Handlers Card for the State of Virginia (BHS/RSS positions)
• Must be able to complete company trainings

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, CPR First Aid, therapeutic options, etc.)
• Completion of CNA or Patient Care Tech program
• Completion of BHT certification

Pay

• $21.56 - $25 per hour (Virginia pay range, based on relevant experience, education, internal equity, and budget)
• Shift differentials: +$2/hr for Monday-Thursday Nights, +$3/hr for Friday-Sunday Nights, +$2/hr for Saturday-Sunday Days

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

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