Behavioral Health Specialist

Join to apply for the Behavioral Health Specialist role at Bon Secours Mercy Health

Location:

Kilmarnock, VA

At Bon Secours Mercy Health, we are dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety, and cost effectiveness. Our hospitals, care sites, and clinicians are recognized for clinical and operational excellence.

Shift hours and days vary. There will be weekend requirements.

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides direct patient care under the guidance of a designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and within policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health.

• Provides basic patient care to include, but not limited to, care and comfort, vital sign measurement, personal care and hygiene, and assists with mobility, including unit-based specialty duties.
• Acts as liaison between patient and nurse to report changes and/or concerns.
• Provides high-level customer service to all patients, patient’s family, visitors, and employees.
• Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation when applicable for patient care.
• Participates in hand‑off/report of pertinent information regarding patient and departmental needs upon arrival and when leaving.
• Performs delegated tasks once competency has been validated.
• Completes patient rounding and 15‑minute patient checks as assigned.
• Provides 1:1 patient safety companion service as needed.
• May collect patient data within scope of role.
• May complete patient screenings as applicable.
• May facilitate groups within scope (community, current events, etc.), treatment teams and participate in family meetings.
• Successfully participates to complete BSMH and departmental specific training as required.

• BLS Basic Life Support (American Health Association) – preferred upon hire; must obtain from an approved source prior to direct patient care.
• State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA) – preferred.
• Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) – preferred.
• Registered Social Work Assistant (SWA) – preferred.
• Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) – preferred.
• Counselor in Training – preferred.
• Human Services – Board Certified Practitioner (HS‑BCP) – preferred.
• American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) – preferred.

• High School Diploma/GED – required.
• Bachelor’s, related field – preferred.

• 1 year of experience in a mental health or health care setting – preferred.

None.

• Critical thinking
• Conflict resolution
• Patient and family engagement and relationship building skills
• Teamwork
• Active listening
• Monitoring patient’s condition
• Communication with nursing and physicians regarding any patient changes and/or concerns
• Timely and concise patient documentation
• Patient confidentiality
• Attention to detail
• Deescalating patients
• Understanding patient event codes, and role during a code
• Physical restraint and deescalating skills
• Crisis intervention
• Facilitating group training & treatment team meetings
• Supporting family meetings

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short‑ and long‑term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

If you would like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon Secours Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia;
Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are affirmative action and equal opportunity employers, please email

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team at