Behavioral Health Specialist Sr

Job Overview

The Behavioral Health Specialist Sr is responsible for direct patient care, safety, supervision and management of children and adolescents with identified behavioral health needs within diverse environments such as emergency services, medical units, and behavioral health programs. Performs duties under the direction of a licensed professional and implements behavioral treatment plans. The senior level role serves as a subject matter expert and utilizes advanced level skills navigating complex patient interventions. Works alongside clinical professionals to provide a safe, supportive, and trauma informed environment. This position leads safety and quality improvement projects for the department along with providing mentorship and training to other Behavioral Health Specialists.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care and management of children and adolescents while under the direction of a licensed professional, ensuring a positive, supportive, and structured environment.
• Intervenes and escalates safety concerns through appropriate channels.
• Supports change management efforts and maintains alignment with unit, department, and organization goals; acts as a liaison to departmental committees and process improvement projects as assigned.
• Maintains therapeutic rapport, unconditional positive regard, and a non-punitive approach with patients independent of patient behaviors.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to review and implement intervention strategies.
• Demonstrates advanced skillset in facilitating group sessions and/or implementing specialized treatment modalities within the unit.
• Skillfully manages complex and escalated behaviors; able to interpret and implement complex behavior plans accordingly while recording patient behaviors and activities in accordance with regulatory and unit-based clinical model/standard.
• Maintains expertise and competency in crisis prevention training and verbal de-escalation skills; may act as lead de-escalation trainer aiding in competency of staff and applying strategies effectively.
• May encounter escalated patient situations. Responds as part of the Behavioral Assistance Resource Team by location, as applicable.
• Collects, monitors, and reports on quality-of-care outcomes and measures to promote best practice, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Participates in continuous evaluation and improvement of internal quality and safety processes, procedures, and performance measures.
• Serves as a mentor and expert in area, demonstrating advanced skill in role and partners with the interdisciplinary team within scope of role. Continuously serves as an informal or formal coaching/mentorship.
• Affords assistance in reviewing and assessing the skillset of peers with less experience and knowledge.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degrees: Bachelor of Psychology
• Area of Study: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social services, human services, education, biology, neuroscience or related field.
• Experience: Required: Two (2) years of experience in a behavioral health or related setting
• Equivalency: Four years experience above stated requirements may substitute for bachelor's degree.
• Licenses & Certifications: Basic Life Support Additional Requirements: BLS/CPR from the American Heart Association with at least 6 months left before expiration is required upon hire. Must obtain de-escalation training certification offered by CHCO within 90 days of hire.