Behavioral Health Coordinator

Job Description

The BHC establishes a therapeutic relationship with the patients. The BHC is responsible for the coordinating group activities which will serve to foster patient engagement and socialization. The BHC will record these activities and the patient's response to social activities in the electronic medical record. The BHC will work closely with the nurses, social services and activity therapy departments to coordinate appropriate groups for the skill level. The BHC will be part of a team that is responsible for the safety and security of the behavioral health unit. The BHC is responsible for tasks delegated by the nurse. The BHC is responsible for the overall maintenance of the therapeutic environment and for the collection of specimens and vital signs as needed for the patient's electronic medical record. The BHC relies on established guidelines to accomplish tasks and works under the close supervision of the RN. The BHC may collect specimens, vital signs, and assist patients with their daily activities as needed or requested by the nursing team.

Responsibilities

Leads group and social activities for patients.

Works closely with nursing, social services, and activity therapy to plan groups to match skill level.

Charts patient response to coordinated group and social activities.

Assists with the admission or intake process as directed by the nurse.

Provides assistance in the group setting under the direction of the nurse or therapist.

Advises patients in community group setting about the importance of sanitation and hygiene (flossing, handwashing) as it relates to health in general.

Redirects patients and uses proper techniques to prevent patient aggression, falls, and / or injury.

Documents behavior observation record, environmental safety rounds / checks, sleep hours, ADLs, vital signs

Assists in moving patients from place to place on and off the unit or area where assigned.

Other duties as delegated by nursing team.

Notifies nurse, therapist or physician of patient behaviors, needs and safety concerns.

Participates in treatment team process by providing input to patient's response to group activities.

Interacts with patients on a one-to-one basis in a therapeutic manner and reports all relevant patient information to nursing.

Orients the patient to the unit and programming schedules.

Answers phones professionally and delivers messages as needed.

Maintains a therapeutic milieu for patients by leading group and social / leisure activities.

Conducts patient safety checks as required.

Obtain and dispense belongings as appropriate as admission, discharge and throughout stay.

Follows organizational infection control procedures including, but not limited to handwashing and cleaning.

Inspects for contraband items as appropriate.

Monitors patients for potential hazards.

Conducts environmental safety checks and notifies nurse of issues.

Displays good communication skills when working with patients and coworkers.

Displays understanding of delegated tasks from the RN.

Completes 10 hours of assigned Behavioral Health / Leadership CBL's and learning activities "how to conduct a group activity."

Qualifications

Experience Previous experience required

Education Bachelor's Degree required (or higher) in associated health care field (ie : social services, psychology, sociology, etc)

Certification / Licensure BLS, CPI within 60 days of employment

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities : Compassionate Patient Care Computer skills

Effective Communication Active Listening

Attention to detail Therapeutic communication (leading of groups)