Behavioral Health Specialist II

Behavioral Health Specialist II (BHS II)

Inpatient / Partial Program

Summary

Under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager (Inpatient), Program Director (Partial), and Unit Charge RN, the Behavioral Health Specialist II (BHS II) provides direct care and ensures the safety of children and adolescents as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. In addition to core BHS I responsibilities, the BHS II functions with increased independence, clinical expertise, and leadership within the therapeutic milieu, supporting both patients and less‑senior staff.

Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, as well as core Success Factors that guide how we work together:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaboration

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Patient Care & Milieu Leadership

(In addition to all BHS I duties)

• Maintain the therapeutic milieu as delegated by the Charge RN and promptly report any concerns or changes.
• Function independently in demonstrated areas of advanced clinical competence.
• Consistently utilize safe, effective crisis prevention and management techniques.
• Demonstrate enhanced clinical judgment and provide daily feedback to the Charge RN regarding patient behaviors and milieu concerns.
• Apply trauma‑informed care principles with empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental approach toward patients and families.

Leadership, Mentorship & Unit Support

• Take initiative to suggest and implement improvements to enhance quality of milieu care.
• Organize and lead therapeutic unit activities.
• Guide, mentor, monitor, and role model best practices for BHS I and less‑senior staff during patient care and activities.
• Support the orientation and onboarding of new BHS I staff under the direction of the CNM.
• Communicate concerns regarding peers promptly and professionally to the Charge RN, ANM, or CNM.
• Demonstrate assertive, respectful communication when addressing issues or conflict.
• May be assigned specialized duties based on program or unit needs.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow all hospital, departmental, and program policies and procedures.
• Maintain all required certifications.
• Perform comparable duties in other clinical settings within the hospital system as needed based on program demands.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated understanding of child and adolescent development, trauma‑informed care, cultural factors, and lifespan considerations.
• Demonstrated aptitude and willingness to continue developing role‑related and leadership skills.

Experience & Certifications

• Six months to one year of direct childcare experience with similar patient populations.
• Current Bradley Hospital Safety Care Certification.
• Current BLS (CPR) certification.

Physical & Crisis Response Requirements

• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during crisis situations.
• Ability to build therapeutic rapport and utilize de‑escalation techniques to minimize physical intervention.
• Ability to participate in safe physical management of patients using approved methods.
• Must be able to:
  • Lift up to 50 pounds
  • Stand, walk, reach, grasp, bend, squat, kneel, and occasionally run short distances
  • Physically escort patients as needed

Independent Action & Supervision

• Performs independently within program policies and practices.
• Refers complex or unclear issues to the ANM or CNM.
• No formal supervisory responsibility.