Behavioral Health Specialist
CurrentBHW Job Responsibilities As a Behavioral Health Worker I am responsible for recognizing potential or actual risk to patients, visitors, staff or the organization, and initiates action to correct, reduce or prevent the risk. I do this by maintaining patient safety through precise rounding of the unit, thorough room checks to ensure no contraband items are in a patients possession, as well as implementing deescalation techniques when a patient is displaying agitation. During the occasion when deescalation is no longer effective I have the responsibility of physically restraining patients in order to maintain a safe environment for staff and other patients on the unit. Other responsibilities include 1:1 supervision, direct assistance with ADL's when appropriate, and assisting RN's during the admission or discharge process. OT aid Responsibilities: As an occupational therapy aid, I cultivate groups based in CBT/ DBT techniques that foster healthy coping skills, increasing self-awareness, and social skills. Each shift consists of 3 groups ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, and is followed by documenting in patients charts on Epic. As a group leader I must ensure that all materials are rooted in evidence based research, as well as avoiding the potential for self-harm. I present groups that encourage participation during admission, in addition to promoting an environment that maintains each patients autonomy while actively participating in their treatment plans. This role includes clear communication between myself and the unit staff/ members of the interdisciplinary team. When organizing groups according to the assigned topic; each group must be precisely presented in a way that is appropriate and fits the needs of the unit, and last minute modifications must be readily available if unforeseen events occur (such as behavioral presentations).
