Behavior Health Specialist, Adolescent Psychiatry

Job Title

Behavioral Health Specialist, Adolescent Psychiatry

Expected Starting Pay Range: $21.00 - $24.05 per hour. Starting pay based on experience, skills, and equity; additional pay may apply (shift, on‑call, weekend differentials) and benefits may apply. Annual pay may vary based on FTE status.

College Hill Campus, College Hill – Adolescent Department, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

PA4.200 Adolescent Inpatient

Rotating Day/Evening, Part time, 20 hours weekly, 0.5 FTE

Regular, Full-time equivalent: 0.5

• 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 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.

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

Part-time benefits eligible.

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