Caring. Hope. Giving back. Our mission at the Bert Nash Center as the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of Douglas County is to advance the health of the community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments. We accomplish this by believing in our team. Each person that works for the Bert Nash Center contributes directly to the success of our clients, organization, and community. Our values of compassion, integrity, equity and hope reflect in everything we do.

Pay is based on experience with a range of $16.25 - $22.42.  This position is part time and non-exempt.  KPERS retirement, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free counseling and resources are available.

I.   JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Specialist Manager, the Behavioral Health Specialist provides monitoring and supportive services in an urgent care and medical setting that serves individuals across the lifespan through a multidisciplinary and collaborative service approach.

II.   ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintaining a safe, stable, supportive, and productive environment during the time spent with patients for the purpose of stabilizing episodes of crisis.
• Monitoring and documenting patient safety, including 1:1 observation, and 15-minute safety checks on each patient.
• Participates in SAFE clinch training and demonstrates proficient knowledge in how to utilize SAFE clinch methods during episodes of crisis.
• Providing services on an as-needed basis for attendant, psychosocial, and crisis observation.
• Assists with activities of daily living including but not limited to; ambulating, monitoring bathroom and shower use, delivering meal trays, snacks and beverages to patients. Providing care items as requested and approved by provider and nursing staff.
• Demonstrates the ability to take accurate vital signs and alert medical staff if vital signs are out of parameter.
• Inventory of patient belongings and documenting inventory in the EHR.
• Performs room searches on stabilization and observation.
• Laundering patient clothing, assisting with room cleaning as needed.
• Stocking patient supplies during downtime.
• Assists with admission and discharging of patients from TRC.
• Provides coordination of care and psychoeducation to patients, regarding care and intervention.
• Provides individualized support in reference to the patient's treatment goals and objectives within the crisis episode; providing attendant care in a variety of settings; providing crisis observation within a crisis stabilization setting.
• Collaborates with members of Bert Nash and TRC including psychiatrists, behavior health crisis clinicians, nursing staff, and substance use providers to enhance skill and effectiveness in treating patients.
• Implementing structured time, activities, and behavioral interventions designed to increase daily living skills or facilitate crisis stabilization and prepare patients for return back to community or next level of care.
• Engaging patients during unstructured times to help build needed social or recovery-oriented skills.
• Completes all paperwork and electronic medical record (EMR) entry associated with the financial, clinical, legal, or regulatory management in a timely and accurate manner.
• Strong oral and written communication, and organizational skills.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Other duties as assigned. 

III.   JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required:    

• One year of college course work in the field of human services or one year of experience in the field of human services; or other experiences with individuals across the lifespan who experience symptoms of behavioral health and can serve a basis for understanding symptoms and treatment; a combination of at least one year of education, and/or work, and/or experience in the field of human services can substitute for a year in any one area.
• Reliable transportation and valid, unrestricted driver's license.
• Be 21 years or older.
• Prior computer experience and basic computer fluency; willingness and ability to learn new programs; familiarity with MS SharePoint is a plus.
• Assignment at the TRC requires pre-employment drug screening, proof of Covid-19 immunization, flu immunization and TB screening prior to starting any position.  All must be completed or in process/scheduled to be cleared for new hire orientation.