Behavioral Health Specialist I (BHS 1) (FT, Days)

Connections Health Solutions; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 22,041 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential pay

Job summary

Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. We stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community resources for ongoing recovery.

Join a mission-driven team delivering compassionate care, with shift differentials and a focus on safety, adherence to DBHDS/DMAS regulations, and teamwork across units.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of behavioral health experience.
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch restraint techniques and CPR.
• Company vaccination policy requires full vaccination or approved exemption.
• Background checks including VA DBHDS and VA DSS.
• Must obtain a Virginia Food Handlers Card.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and well-being of individuals and staff in the unit.
• Conduct vital sign assessments and assist with daily living activities.
• Document services and interactions in the EHR.
• Educate individuals on rights and regulations and explain rules.
• Maintain unit safety and perform rounds every 15 minutes.
• Intervene with escalation using de-escalation techniques and restraints if needed.
• Assist with lifting, transferring, and transport of individuals.
• Attend court hearings when subpoenaed and provide testimony when necessary.
• Ensure facility cleanliness and assist with housekeeping tasks.

Skills

Vital signs

Restraint techniques

CPR

Documentation

De-escalation

Patient safety

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma

Tools

EHR system

Job description

We're not just behavioral health people—we're crisis people. Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery.

Our values shape our decisions, define our culture, and foster continuous learning and growth. We accept people as they are, creating safe spaces where they feel valued and respected. We inspire hope by walking with people side‑by‑side, showing them grace and compassion. We act with intention, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and doing the right thing. We work as one team, trusting and supporting each other. We embrace change and innovation, striving to find better ways to fulfill our mission.

We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference.

Earn More with Shift Differentials

• +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights
• +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights
• +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days

What You’ll Do

• Manages and maintains the safety and well-being of individuals and staff within the unit, ensuring high standards of care and support for both adults and youth.
• Conducts vital sign assessments, assists individuals with daily needs, and provides exceptional customer service.
• Accurately documents services provided and significant interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Conducts security screening and inventories property of individuals upon admission to the facility.
• Provides orientation to the Observation Unit and Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Educates individuals on their rights under DBHDS and DMAS regulations, grievance process, provides expectations, and explains rules and regulations.
• Maintains safety of the unit, monitors and documents individuals every 15 minutes.
• Intervenes with escalated individuals using therapeutic techniques for de-escalation and performs restraints or seclusions (if applicable) when needed to ensure the individual's safety and the safety of others. Completes 1-to-1 on an individual in seclusion or mechanical restraints every 15 minutes for the duration of the event.
• Lifts, moves, and transports individuals, using proper body mechanics or accident prevention.
• Assists individuals with activities of daily living to include eating, bathing, and dressing.
• Conducts and documents individual's vitals and reports all questionable results to the RN/Physician attending the individual. Conducts and documents all BAL, urine drug screens and urine pregnancy tests.
• Attends court ordered hearings when subpoenaed and be a witness on a petition and provide testimony at court ordered hearing.
• Documents all services and significant individual interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Responsible for maintaining and ensuring the cleanliness of the facility and designated assigned unit.
• Performs light cleaning of interior center, collects soiled linen, and launders individuals clothing when needed.
• Complete all required training, attend monthly meetings, and maintain required competencies.
• Must be physically able to perform Safe Clinch restraint techniques and CPR, including the ability to move quickly in response to emergent situations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of behavioral health experience.
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques.
• 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.
• State of Virginia Fingerprint Clearance.
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (VA DBHDS) background check.
• Must be able to pass Virginia Department of Social Services (VA DSS) Office of Background Investigations - Central Registry Search.
• Must be able to obtain a Food Handlers Card for the State of Virginia (BHS/RSS positions).
• Physical Requirements: Safely perform physical interventions (e.g., standing, pivoting, reaching, kneeling, lowering to the floor, and supporting another person's weight). Lift,