Behavioral Health Specialist, Psychiatry Float Pool

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,131; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-Time Benefits Eligible

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's in College Hill is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to provide direct patient care in a team-based setting. You will implement individualized care plans and lead group programming to promote therapeutic outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have at least a high school diploma with 2 years of relevant work experience, or a Bachelor's degree in a related field. A supportive and nurturing environment for youth in crisis is essential for this role.

The expected starting salary ranges from $21.00 to $24.05 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe and supportive environment; implement token economies.
• Implement individualized care plans and support activities of daily living.
• Lead structured group programming and facilitate patient engagement.
• Build therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions.

Skills

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention

Behavioral observation

Group programming

Patient care

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Location

College Hill – Psychiatry Float Pool

Shift / Hours / FTE

Rotating Day/Evening – 20 hrs weekly – 0.5 FTE

Benefits Eligibility

Part-Time Benefits Eligible

Job Title

Behavioral Health Specialist – A Day in the Life

Working as a Behavioral Health Specialist

• Leading and co‑leading group programming to support therapeutic outcomes.
• Implementing a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors, promote skill‑building, and support progress toward discharge goals.
• Providing direct patient care in a team‑based setting and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes.
• Implementing individualized patient care plans and documenting behavioral observations.
• Establishing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for youth in crisis.
• A state‑of‑the‑art mental health facility that opened in October 2023.

Job Responsibilities

• Milieu Management: Create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment that fosters support and consistency. Implement a token economy to reinforce positive behaviors. Support patients with a variety of severe psychological/psychiatric difficulties, including mood disorders, disruptive/aggressive behavior, self‑harm, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental disorders who often have histories including significant psychosocial stressors and trauma. Proactively prevent and respond to crises using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies, including verbal de‑escalation and physical interventions when necessary due to imminent risk. Lead and intervene in behavioral crises, apply appropriate strategies based on the Stress Model of Crisis and individualized treatment plans. Conduct safety checks, room searches, and patient safety searches. Follow policies and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team.
• Plan of Care: Implement individualized care plans, including behavioral interventions and support for activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, toileting). Provide care primarily in group settings, with individualized programming as needed per treatment team recommendations. Maintain designated observation status (e.g., continuous observation, 15‑minute checks, remaining within arm’s‑length of patient).
• Group Programming: Lead structured group programming and facilitate patient engagement; adjust delivery to meet developmental needs of patients, observe behavior and participate in problem‑solving.
• Therapeutic Relationships: Build rapport while maintaining professional boundaries. Recognize trauma impacts and use developmentally appropriate therapeutic communication. Contribute to team planning and patient‑centered care discussions.
• Documentation: Complete accurate and timely documentation, including shift notes, incident documentation (e.g., restraint, seclusion), and safety checks. Summarize what happens before and after target behaviors. Actively participate in shift reports, safe handoff procedures, and data collection.

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline OR
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in a related field (experience not required but preferred).

Benefits

Expected Starting Salary Range: $21.00–$24.05 per hour. Annualized pay may vary based on FTE status $21.00–$25.72.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability.