Night Shift Behavioral Health Specialist (PRN)

MePA; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, TN seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to support care for behavioral health patients in the Adult Emergency Department. You will coordinate 1:1 observation resources, assist with intake, manage belongings, and liaise with the care team to ensure safe, efficient patient flow and timely dispositions.

You will serve as a key resource in maintaining safety and coordinating referrals to community resources, while supporting assessment specialists and transfer

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved discipline specific program.
• 2 years of relevant work experience in behavioral health or emergency services.
• Experience coordinating patient observation and intake processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee 1:1 observation assignments for behavioral health patients in the Adult ED.
• Monitor sitter coverage to ensure safety and observation order compliance.
• Facilitate sitter break schedules to maintain observation continuity.
• Assist with behavioral health patient intake according to protocols.
• Assist with collection, documentation, and secure storage of patient belongings.
• Serve as liaison among nursing, providers, and ancillary teams for behavioral health patients.
• Communicate plan‑of‑care updates and disposition status to the care team.
• Support information exchange to enable timely patient care decisions.
• Track patients through Behavioral Health care in the ED.
• Assist with referrals to outside facilities and community resources as needed.
• Facilitate communication with receiving facilities regarding transfer requirements.

Skills

Observation coordination

Sitter management

Team communication

Patient advocacy

Education

Graduate of an approved discipline specific program

Job description

Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, TN seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to support care for behavioral health patients in the Adult Emergency Department. You will coordinate 1:1 observation resources, assist with intake, manage belongings, and liaise with the care team to ensure safe, efficient patient flow and timely dispositions.

You will serve as a key resource in maintaining safety and coordinating referrals to community resources, while supporting assessment specialists and transfer