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

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

As a Bon Secours associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and 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 Bon secours – 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