Behavioral Health Support Specialist

**This is a Full-Time position with various overnight/evening shifts available, Monday - Sunday, Midnight - 8AM or 4PM - Midnight, Hourly rate starting at $17.00/hr**

The Salvation Army Mission: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Mental Health Respite Mission: Through professionalism, nurturance, and empowerment MHR will provide supportive services with the purpose of leading participants in personal growth and improving life skills for transitioning to the least restrictive level of care within the community environment.

Summary/Primary Purpose: The Mental Health Respite Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) is responsible for providing comprehensive, day-to-day care and support to individuals residing in the respite program. This role focuses on promoting skill development, assisting with daily living activities, and supporting participants in social, recreational, and therapeutic programming. Ensuring a safe and structured environment, monitor participants for signs of crisis, and provide timely crisis intervention when needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible to provide day-to-day support to participants and assist in meeting individual needs, ensure participant and staff safety and perform hourly checks of participant wellbeing and location,
2. Responsible to administer and document scheduled medications; maintain secure medication storage. And administer Narcan as need and coordinate emergency response as required.
3. Support participants in completing chores and personal care tasks to promote healthy habits and the use of coping strategies.
4. Crisis Response is a key responsibility - recognize early warning signs of participant distress or crisis; de-escalate and intervene according to established safety protocols.
5. Encourage and facilitate participation in group activities, case management goals, and community outings.
6. Assist with intake and discharge procedures, including fumigation and inventory of belongings.
7. Complete timely and accurate documentation of incidents, medication, and daily care.
8. Participate in shift change briefings and maintain communication with coworkers and leadership.
9. Coordinate with outside providers and support systems as needed.
10. Conduct random room searches and monitor for restricted items; supervise access to sharps and manage their return to secured storage.
11. Prepare and serve meals according to posted schedules; maintain cleanliness of dining areas.
12. This position is required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed and/or scheduled.
13. All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. One to two years related experience preferred.

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position.

1. Ability to be flexible and able to work on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
2. The ability to access payroll, timekeeping and personal data via a web-based system.
3. Administrative skills to include utilization of standard office equipment, data entry, attention to detail and filing.
4. Good communication skills both written and spoken, and ability to maintain effective working relationships.
5. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
6. Demonstrate sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Other Qualifications: Must pass all applicable background checks and must successfully complete Safe from Harm training within 90 days of hire, as established by The Salvation Army.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Medication Aide Certification within 90 days of employment.
• Attain CPR/First Aid Certification within 6 months of employment.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) initial training within 6 months and complete annual requirements based on program/participant population annually.
• SafeServe Food Handler Certification within 90 days of employment or as directed.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands outlined below are representative of those required for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities in performing these functions. While carrying out job duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Frequently must sit and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects. Occasional requirements include standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms. Additionally, the employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but will range from quiet to loud.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.