Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS) - Shift Lead - Adult CSU - Lawrenceville, GA.

View Point Health

Job Title: Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS) - Shift Lead

Job Code: HCP101/Behavioral Health Counselor 2

Shift: Full-Time (40 hours per week on average) 2nd shift

Job Hours: 3:00pm - 11:30pm - Times May Vary

Base Location: Lawrenceville, GA

Division/Department/Program: Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit

View Point Health is a partner with DBHDD that provides individual and group counseling, medication management, recovery and crisis stabilization services for behavioral health and developmental disabilities. We serve adult clients with psychiatric crisis intervention and stabilization services as well as substance use disorders.

We offer a multidisciplinary approach to treatment services. Our recovery approach is with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mental health clinical support services, substance use support and medication management. Our goal is to provide person-centered care and utilize a trauma-informed approach to our client and their treatment.

A Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) operates 24 hours/7 days a week (including weekends and holidays) to provide a safe and structured environment for clients experiencing a mental health crisis. The services are like residential treatment but provide a higher level of care due to the acuity of the clients who are in crisis. Our units operate much like a psychiatric hospital.

A client typically stays at the CSU about 5 – 7 days to ensure he/she is stable from the prompting event of their crisis prior to discharge. Clients do not leave the facility during their stay with us.

Additionally, we offer a Temporary Observation Unit (TOU) at the Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit. In our TOU area, we provided evaluation services within a 23-hour period to determine whether an admission to the Crisis Stabilization Unit or inpatient psychiatric facility is needed or if the client would be able to be stabilized with more intensive outpatient (rather than inpatient/hospital) service setting. During time on TOU a client may or may not be on an involuntary status and will be assessed by a nurse, physician, and clinician. A paraprofessional and CPS may also provide services during this time to assess the clients’ overall needs and level of care. In addition to the initial assessment, clinicians may also provide crisis intervention services, individual and family counseling services as well as case management to assist in determining client plan at end of their 23 hours stay.

Under broad supervision, the Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS) instructs or trains clients and/or students in a specific area of assignment as part of a program that includes an organized agenda of practical and workforce readiness instruction.  May serve as lead. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor clients during Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Complete admissions for new arrivals.
• Prepare clients’ belongings upon discharge.
• Monitor and assist clients during the hygiene routine.
• Assist clients with scheduled phone calls.
• Conduct safety checks for new admissions as well as current clients if necessary.
• Assist with manual holds/restraints.
• Monitor and assist during unit visitation.
• If necessary, minimally organize the unit.
• Conduct room sweeps for contraband or dangerous items.
• Complete daily client observations sheets for assigned client/s.
• Monitor group for appropriate client behaviors.
• Assist with “Receive and Evaluate” client/s.
• Complete the daily 24-hour report to document the client’s behaviors during the shift.
• Sit with 1:1 client all day and ensure that they are never more than an arms-length away or without supervision.
• Transport clients if needed.
• Other program related duties as assigned.

Additional Duties (Shift Lead):

• Model and utilize best practices for therapeutic intervention
• Defuse difficult situations and provide breaks, support and crisis interventions.
• Ensures appropriate procedures are utilized and that communications, paperwork, and debriefs occur. 
• Follow all agency and specific policies and procedures, including dress code.
• Facilitate training for Behavioral Intervention Specialist and other staff as requested.
• Provide ongoing support and supervision to assigned staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower-level Behavioral Health Counselor 1 (HCP100) or position equivalent.

Note: Some positions may require certification or licensure.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• At least six months of experience in a related field
• Experience working with adults in an inpatient facility.
• Experience and/or knowledge of DBT is preferred.
• Experience of at least one year working with Dual Diagnosed (Substance Abuse/Mental Health) and or residential setting
• Interventions, Diagnosing, Treatment Plans
• Experience with Care Logic or other EMR
• Is comfortable and proficient with collaborative & concurrent documentation.
• Experience in trauma-informed care, or trauma related interventions and skills

Benefits (for qualified employees):

• State Health Benefits Package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, long-term care, legal services, flexible spending accounts)
• Paid New Hire Training
• Company contributes additional 7.5% of salary to 401(a) Retirement Plan
• No employee deduction for Social Security
• Additional benefits such as legal services, Employee Assistance Program and discounted tickets to attractions, shopping, technology, and travel
• Supervision, training, and continuing education opportunities available

Requirements/Competencies:

• Must be able to lift 20 pounds.
• Requires long periods of sitting/standing.
• Must have valid Georgia driver’s license and Motor Vehicle Record in accordance with company policy.
• Candidates for selection must pass a criminal background check (including fingerprinting).
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and subject to random drug screens.
• Any combination of training and experience, which would have enabled the applicant to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities Note: Some positions may require a valid driver's license.
• Other duties as assigned.

View Point Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer:  View Point Health recruits qualified candidates for positions in View Point Health programs throughout its service area. It is the policy of View Point Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.