Behavioral Health Specialist, Liberty ED

Primary Location

Liberty Campus

Department

Liberty Emergency Department

Shift

Night (United States of America)

Schedule

Full time

Weekly Hours

36

FTE

0.9

Employee Status

Regular

 

*Expected Starting Pay Range

$21.00 - $25.72

*Starting pay is based on experience, skills, and equity; exceptions may apply for highly qualified candidates. Additional pay (e.g., shift, on‑call, or weekend differentials) and benefits may apply. Annual pay may vary based on FTE status.

 

Behavioral Health Specialist – Liberty Emergency Department (ED)

Expected Starting Salary Range: $21.00 – $24.05

Location/Unit: Liberty Emergency Department

Shift/Hours/FTE: Nights – 36 hrs weekly – 0.9 FTE

Benefits Eligibility: Full-Time Benefits Eligible

Working as a Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) in the Liberty Emergency Department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, you will:

• Provide direct behavioral support to patients presenting in acute psychiatric or behavioral crisis within a fast-paced, high-acuity ED environment
• Collaborate closely with nurses, providers, social work, and psychiatry to ensure safe, coordinated care
• Monitor and respond to changing patient behaviors in real time across multiple rooms or care areas
• Maintain a safe, structured environment for multiple patients simultaneously, using proactive behavioral management strategies similar to classroom-style management
• Observe and document patient behavior to support clinical decision-making and disposition planning

BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT & SAFETY MANAGEMENT

• Provide continuous behavioral monitoring and support for patients in crisis
• Maintain safety for multiple patients at once using proactive behavioral management and de-escalation techniques
• Apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies, including verbal de-escalation and physical interventions when necessary
• Anticipate and intervene early with escalating behaviors to minimize risk
• Conduct safety checks, patient observations, and environmental rounding

PLAN OF CARE EXECUTION

• Implement components of individualized behavioral care plans
• Support basic patient needs and comfort measures
• Maintain ordered observation levels and adhere to safety protocols
• Adapt approach based on patient acuity and volume

PATIENT ENGAGEMENT & BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT

• Use structured communication and limit-setting to manage behavior across multiple patients simultaneously
• Balance competing patient needs and priorities
• Build rapport quickly while maintaining professional boundaries
• Apply trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate interventions

DOCUMENTATION & COMMUNICATION

• Complete timely and accurate documentation
• Communicate behavioral updates to the care team
• Participate in shift handoffs and team huddles

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of experience in a related field OR bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field (no experience required)

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, or related field; OR experience in emergency department, psychiatric, behavioral health, education (classroom management), or patient care technician roles; familiarity with crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or behavior management techniques strongly preferred

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation