Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Behavioral Health Specialist provides direct patient care under the guidance of a designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and within policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health.
Essential Job Functions
Provides basic patient care to include, but not limited to, care and comfort, vital sign measurement, personal care and hygiene, and assists with mobility, including unit-based specialty duties.
Acts as liaison between patient and nurse to report changes and/or concerns.
Provides high-level customer service to all patients, patient's family, visitors, and employees.
Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation when applicable for patient care.
Participates in hand-off/report of pertinent information regarding patient and departmental needs upon arrival and when leaving.
Performs delegated tasks once competency has been validated.
Completes patient rounding and 15-minute patient checks as assigned.
Provides 1:1 patient safety companion service as needed.
May collect patient data within scope of role
May complete patient screenings as applicable
May facilitate groups within scope (community, current events, etc.), treatment teams and participate in family meetings.
Successfully participates to complete BSMH and departmental specific training as required
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Licensing/Certification
BLS Basic Life Support American Health Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)
State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA) (preferred)
Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) (preferred)
Registered Social Work Assistant (SWA) (preferred)
Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) (preferred)
Counselor in Training (preferred)
Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS- BCP) (preferred)
American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) (preferred)
Education
High School Diploma/GED (required)
Bachelors, related field (preferred)
Work Experience
1 year of experience in a mental health or health care setting (preferred)
Training
None
Language
None
Patient Population
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
Working Conditions
Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse
May be required to use physical restraints
May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids
May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials
May have periods of constant interruptions
Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions
* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%
Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) x
Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) x
Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) x
Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) x
Stoop, Kneel x
Crawling x
Climbing x
Balance x
Bending x
Work Position
Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%
Sitting x
Walking x
Standing x
Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards
Physical Requirements
Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
Perform shift work
Maneuver weight of patients
Hear alarms/telephone/audio recorder
Reach above shoulder
Repetitive arm/hand movements
Finger Dexterity
Color Vision
Acuity - far
Acuity – near
Hazards
Depth perception
Use of latex products
Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents
Exposure to moving mechanical parts
Exposure to dust/fumes
Exposure to potential electrical shock
Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy
Exposure to high pitched noises
Gaseous risk exposure
Skills
Critical thinking
Conflict resolution
Patient and family engagement and relationship building skills
Teamwork
Active listening
Monitoring patient's condition
Communication with nursing and physicians regarding any patient changes and/or concerns
Timely and concise patient documentation
Patient confidentiality
Attention to detail
Deescalating patients
Understanding patient event codes, and role during a code.
Physical restraint and deescalating skills
Crisis Intervention
Facilitating group training & treatment team meetings
Supporting family meetings
Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:
Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com