Behavioral Care Specialist

Our energy and expertise are focused on improving psychiatric care. Interested in learning more about how you might help us and our patients?

The Behavioral Care Specialist performs routine patient care duties and selected non-professional services under the direct supervision of the Charge Nurse. 

We have opportunities for full-time and contingent on days, nights and weekends.

Duties

• Identifies alterations in sensory perception, recognizing the differences between illusions, delusions, and hallucinations; remains aware of patient safety issues and acts to prevent harm, communicating concerns to the supervising Nurse.
• Identifies mood alterations and recognizes the potential for self-harm or other high-risk behaviors, reporting such to the supervising Nurse.
• Provides patient care in a manner that ensures safety, respects patients’ rights, and supports the therapeutic environment.
• Performs patient checks every 15 minutes, or more often as required by the physician.
• Assists with admissions, discharges, and transfers, completing necessary documentation promptly.
• Observes and documents patient behavior according to AIR charting policy, reporting to the appropriate nursing staff.
• Assists in applying protective devices under the supervision of the supervising Nurse, completing the required documentation.

• Utilizes the Individual Treatment Plan and other specific treatment plans, keeping them updated, and reviews the treatment plan with the patient.
• Remains in patient areas whenever possible to assist patients and visitors, notifying the supervising Nurse before leaving the unit.
• Sets limits on patient behavior therapeutically and consistently, within program and age-specific guidelines, under the guidance of the supervising Nurse.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independence.
• Identifies verbal and non-verbal cues for potential aggressive behavior, applying de-escalation techniques as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma required
• Two years of college or a bachelor's in psychology, social work, mental health, or related health fields (preferred).
• At least one year of experience in a psychiatric setting (preferred).

Schedule and Premium Pay

• PTO for full-time staff and sick leave for those working contingent.
• Staff work 12-hour shifts, 7 AM to 7 PM and 7 PM to 7 AM.
• Shift premiums are $1 weekday nights and $2 for weekends (Friday 7 PM to Sunday 7 PM).
• Unless arranged otherwise during the interview and selection process, weekday staff will be assigned to work every other weekend.

Click here to apply and contribute to creating a safe, effective and welcoming environment for everyone!