Nightshift Behavioral Health Specialist - ED Care (PRN)

Pennsylvania Psychological Association; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to support care of behavioral health patients in the Adult Emergency Department. You will coordinate 1:1 observation, assist with intake and belongings, and serve as a liaison among nurses, providers, and assessment specialists to promote safe, efficient patient flow and continuity of care.

This role emphasizes collaboration, patient safety, and communication across care teams in a fast-paced ED setting, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved discipline specific program.
• 2 years of experience in behavioral health or emergency department setting preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and oversees 1:1 observation assignments for behavioral health patients in the Adult ED.
• Monitors sitter coverage to ensure safety and observation compliance.
• Coordinates sitter break schedules to maintain uninterrupted observation.
• Assists with patient intake processes according to department protocols.
• Assists with the collection, documentation, and secure storage of patient belongings.
• Serves as a liaison between nursing staff, providers, assessment specialists, and ancillary team members.
• Communicates plan‑of‑care updates, disposition status, and patient needs to the primary nurse and provider.
• Facilitates information exchange among interdisciplinary team members to support timely patient care decisions.
• Assists with tracking patients through their behavioral health care while in the ED.
• Assists Assessment Specialists with referrals to outside behavioral health facilities and community resources as needed.
• Facilitates communication with receiving facilities regarding patient placement and transfer requirements.
• Assists in gathering and organizing required documentation to support referral and transfer processes.
• Tracks referral status and provides updates to the interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Facilitation of Positive Coping Strate

Human Growth & Development

Patient Documentation

Communication

Education

Graduate of an approved discipline specific program

Job description

Vanderbilt Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to support care of behavioral health patients in the Adult Emergency Department. You will coordinate 1:1 observation, assist with intake and belongings, and serve as a liaison among nurses, providers, and assessment specialists to promote safe, efficient patient flow and continuity of care.

This role emphasizes collaboration, patient safety, and communication across care teams in a fast-paced ED setting, with opportunities for