Behavioral Health Specialist - Harrisburg, PA

What You'll Do:

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) is responsible for managing and maintaining the safety and well-being of individuals and staff within the unit, ensuring high standards of care and support for both adults and youth. This role involves conducting vital signs assessments, assisting individuals with daily needs, and providing exceptional customer service. The specialist will also accurately document services provided and significant interactions in the electronic health record (EHR).

• Registration and Documentation:
  • Collect necessary authorizations and release of information documents.
  • Accurately document all services and significant individual interactions in the EHR.
• Visitor Management:
  • Greet and receive visitors, ensuring security by following established procedures, monitoring the logbook, and issuing visitor badges.
• Safety and Security:
  • Conduct security screenings and inventory personal property upon admission.
  • Provide orientation to the Observation Unit and Short-term Inpatient Unit, educating individuals on their rights, grievance processes, expectations, and facility rules in accordance with Pennsylvania State regulations.
  • Maintain unit safety through continuous monitoring and intervention.
  • Use therapeutic techniques to de-escalate situations with escalated individuals, performing restraints or seclusions when necessary to ensure safety. Monitor individuals in seclusion or mechanical restraints in prescribed intervals.
• Direct Care Support:
  • Assists individuals with activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring.
  • Lift, move, and transport individuals using proper body mechanics and accident prevention techniques.
  • Conduct and document vital signs, blood alcohol levels (BAL), urine drug screens, and urine pregnancy tests, reporting any questionable results to the RN or attending physician.
• Legal and Compliance Responsibilities:
  • Attend court-ordered hearings when subpoenaed, serve as a witness on petitions, and provide testimony as needed.
• Facility Maintenance:
  • Ensure the cleanliness of the facility and assigned units by performing light cleaning, collecting soiled linens, and laundering individuals' clothing as necessary.
  • Maintain overall safety and hygiene within the facility.
• Collaboration with Clinical Team:
  • Work closely with the clinical team to communicate any concerns regarding an individual's psychiatric or medical presentation to the appropriate discipline.
• Involuntary Process Assistance:
  • Assist with the 302 process, serving as a liaison between departments and ensuring effective communication across multiple disciplines involved in individual care.
• Additional Duties:
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent and:
  • At least 12 semester credit hours in Sociology, Social Welfare, Psychology, Gerontology, or another social science field, and two (2) years of experience in public or private human services, including one (1) year of direct mental health care experience
  • OR
  • Three (3) years of direct mental health care experience in public or private human services
  • OR
  • Consumer or family members with:
    • At least one (1) year of experience as an advocate or leader in a consumer or family advocacy group
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques
• Must pass the following background checks
  • Child Abuse Clearance
  • FBI Criminal Background Check
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• Physical Requirements
  • Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person’s weight)
  • Lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally
  • Tolerate prolonged walking, standing, and observation in a fast-paced environment
  • Work with individuals who may exhibit agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior

It would be great if you had:

• Certified training (Safe Clinch, CPR First Aid, therapeutic options, etc.)
• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Nursing, Political Science, Counseling, or related field.

What We Offer:

Full-time only:

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan 

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance Employer.

EEO Statement

Connections Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.