BH Care Specialist

Job Code: BH1000 | Full-time, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm | Non‑exempt

About the role

The BH Care Specialist assists with patient‑education groups, facilitates complex discharge plans, and coordinates with each patient’s support system. As a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the specialist ensures safety, best‑practice standards, and high‑quality care throughout the discharge process, establishes care connections with community providers, and collaborates with clinicians to plan, implement, and evaluate proactive, patient‑involved discharge plans. The role also serves as a resource for discharge planning and care coordination, and upholds the UVA Mission, Vision, and Values of Compassion, Diversity, Personal Excellence, and Teamwork. Reports to the Supervisor of Behavioral Health Therapy and/or the Manager of Behavioral Health Operations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate patient‑education groups and coordinate complex discharge plans with patients’ support systems
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to plan, implement, and evaluate safe, proactive discharge plans
• Establish and maintain care connections with providers and community resources after hospital discharge
• Provide guidance on medically and/or psychosocially complex cases
• Serve as a resource for discharge planning and care coordination across the team
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills appropriate to the age and cultural diversity of the patient population
• Uphold UVA Health’s Mission, Vision, and Values in all interactions

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a similar health‑related field (required)

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience (preferred)

Licensure & Certifications

• Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certification within three months of hire (required)
• Compliance with Life Support Training Policy as applicable

Required Skills

• Good working knowledge of computers
• Ability to care for behavioral‑health populations across the age spectrum

Competencies

Human Experience

• Provides guidance to team members through teaching, communication, and trust‑building
• Uses relationship‑building and rounding to train and coach staff on effective patient connection
• Leverages patient feedback to create innovative solutions for patient needs
• Ensures team members have the information needed to educate patients on procedures and processes

Teamwork

• Develops and maintains positive relationships with team members, leadership, and community providers
• Adjusts activities to accommodate team needs
• Mentors, precepts, orients, and provides timely feedback to develop team members
• Collaborates with leaders and colleagues to create positive patient experiences

Behavioral Health Expertise

• Deep knowledge of psychiatric medications, diagnoses, mental‑health concepts, and evidence‑based therapeutic interventions
• Implements treatment plans using best‑practice modalities to achieve optimal outcomes
• Establishes and maintains control of violent patients, defends self and others, and responds appropriately during psychiatric crises
• Pursues continuing professional development as a self‑directed professional

Physical Demands

Physical Demand Code: Medium to Heavy

• Constant standing; frequent walking, bending, and stooping
• Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills
• Attention to detail and ability to write legibly
• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 100 lbs (use safe‑handling equipment for loads over 35 lbs)

Schedule & Other Requirements

• Full‑time, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm
• On‑call responsibilities as directed
• Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out‑of‑town locations as needed
• May require use of safety equipment (e.g., HEPA mask) for infection prevention