Behavioral Health Specialist - Inpt Psychiatry Waltham - 24 hrs nights

We’re looking for a Behavioral Health Specialist in our Waltham Inpatient Psychiatry Unit to provide basic care and ensure safety of patients, as delegated by a Registered Nurse. Experience: Experience working with children/adolescents, facilitating group activities, working with patients with behavioral health challenges preferred.

Position Summary
We’re looking for a Behavioral Health Specialist in our Waltham Inpatient Psychiatry Unit to provide basic care and ensure safety of patients, as delegated by a Registered Nurse.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing one-on-one support, as needed, to patients with a variety of behavioral health needs.
• Closely monitoring and maintaining the safety of patients. Observing behaviors and conditions in accordance with established procedures and protocols.
• In conjunction with Registered Nurse, conducting environmental checks and helps identifies risk factors.
• Aiding with the implementation of safety measures, such as physical restraints, observation levels, and suicide watches, as warranted.
• Responding to and assists with de-escalating acute behavioral episodes in a therapeutic and supportive manner. Attempts to understand the source of distress.
• Under the direction of Registered Nurse and medical staff, preventing elopement and calling for support/assistance when necessary to assist in preventing elopement.
• Identifying patient behaviors that could lead to behavioral escalation and utilizes non-verbal and verbal techniques to de-escalate situations.
• Actively monitoring patients and the environment with particular attention to safety concerns.
• May perform vital signs and assist with Activities of Daily Living as directed by the Registered Nurse.
• Completing patient care documentation and administrative duties
• Under the direction of Registered Nurse, may assist practitioners performing medical procedures.
• Schedule is nights, every other weekend and rotating holidays.  

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• A HS Diploma or equivalent.  Associate’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working with children/adolescents, facilitating group activities, working with patients with behavioral health challenges preferred.
• 1-2 Years of experience as a Behavioral Health, Mental Health Counselor or similar role in a similar setting preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS)  and de-escalation certification per facility protocol/procedure within 1 month of hire.