Behavioral Health Education Specialist

Job Description:

The Behavioral Health Education Specialist provides direct patient care by developing rapport with patients, facilitating patient/caregiver safety, gathering critical data to inform the treatment team in the development of the treatment and education plan of care, and implementing interventions as recommended by the multi-disciplinary treatment team. This role is furthered by providing individual, supportive contacts to patients that focus on validating negative feelings, offering strategies for coping, building self-esteem, development of skills, and initial assessment of immediate risk to self and others.

Essential Functions Maintains a safe, consistent, and supportive environment by collaborating and effectively communicating with the multidisciplinary treatment team and providing culturally sensitive care in accordance with the care/treatment plan.

Assists with planning, instruction, and facilitation in all areas of educational programming. Will facilitate classroom programming in the absence of the primary teacher.

Assists Educational Mental Health Specialist and Special Education teacher in creating and implementing various group content including educational activities, goal setting, relaxation, skill building, and psycho-educational activities as dictated by skill level.

Can comfortably and effectively work with physically and verbally aggressive patients. Able to maintain calm demeanor while engaging with patients actively exhibiting negative or maladaptive behaviors. Utilizes Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques to reduce client’s stress and maintain safety.

Anticipates and diffuses patient behaviors that have the likelihood to lead to unsafe behaviors. Responds calmly and safely to escalating behaviors, asks for assistance as needed, and responds with a team-based approach.

Determines when the use of higher-level interventions is needed and can safely and appropriately initiate physical restraints per TCI guidelines. Mentors new Mental Health Workers on the use of crisis interventions.

Performs and accurately documents patient care interventions, observations, and group/educational interactions in the Electronic Medical Record.

Will be required to float to other classrooms or departments (within scope and qualifications) based on business need. Satisfy all Intermountain Health requirements and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills Child Development Developmentally Relevant Care Special Education Early Childhood Education Behavioral Health Customer Service Interpersonal Communication Trauma Informed Care Patient Care Cultural Communication Classroom Management

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, family studies, or a related field (education verified) OR four years of experience in a related field

Demonstrated experience in the practice of de-escalating negative behaviors and creating safe environments.

Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills

Proficiency in computer applications

Positive driving motor vehicle (DMV) record, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, and a copy of a valid driver's license

Basic Life Support and First Aid within 90 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field (education verified) AND four years of experience in a related field

Ability to obtain Colorado Department of Education substitute license within 6 months of hire

Bi-lingual in Spanish

Physical Requirements Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, documents, monitors, identify equipment and supplies, and be able to assess customer needs.

Frequent interactions with providers, colleagues, customers, patients/clients and visitors that require employee…