Behavioral Health Education Specialist I

Job Description: The Behavioral Health Education Specialist provides direct patient care by developing rapport with patients, facilitating patient/caregiver safety, gathering critical data to inform the treatment team in the development of the treatment and education plan of care, and implementing interventions as recommended by the multi-disciplinary treatment team. This role is furthered by providing individual, supportive contacts to patients that focus on validating negative feelings, offering strategies for coping, building self-esteem, development of skills, and initial assessment of immediate risk to self and others. Essential Functions Maintains a safe, consistent, and supportive environment by collaborating and effectively communicating with the multidisciplinary treatment team and providing culturally sensitive care in accordance with the care/treatment plan. Assists with planning, instruction, and facilitation in all areas of educational programming. Will facilitate classroom programming in the absence of the primary teacher. Assists Educational Mental Health Specialist and Special Education teacher in creating and implementing various group content including educational activities, goal setting, relaxation, skill building, and psycho-educational activities as dictated by skill level. Can comfortably and effectively work with physically and verbally aggressive patients. Able to maintain calm demeanor while engaging with patients actively exhibiting negative or maladaptive behaviors. Utilizes Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques to reduce client’s stress and maintain safety. Anticipates and diffuses patient behaviors that have the likelihood to lead to unsafe behaviors.  Responds calmly and safely to escalating behaviors, asks for assistance as needed, and responds with a team-based approach. Determines when the use of higher-level interventions is needed and can safely and appropriately initiate physical restraints per TCI guidelines. Mentors new Mental Health Workers on the use of crisis interventions. Performs and accurately documents patient care interventions, observations, and group/educational interactions in the Electronic Medical Record. Will be required to float to other classrooms or departments (within scope and qualifications) based on business need. Satisfy all Intermountain Health requirements and perform other duties as assigned. Skills Child Development Developmentally Relevant Care Special Education Early Childhood Education Behavioral Health Customer Service Interpersonal Communication Trauma Informed Care Patient Care Cultural Communication Classroom Management Minimum Qualifications Four or more years of demonstrated experience working in Behavioral Health, Special Education, Early Childhood Education Demonstrated experience in the practice of de-escalating negative behaviors and creating safe environments. Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills Proficiency in computer applications Positive driving motor vehicle (DMV) record, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, and a copy of a valid driver's license Basic Life Support and First Aid within 90 days of employment Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, family studies, or related field (education is verified) Ability to obtain Colorado Department of Education substitute license within 6 months of hire Bi-lingual in Spanish Physical Requirements Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, documents, monitors, identify equipment and supplies, and be able to assess customer needs. Frequent interactions with providers, colleagues, customers, patients/clients and visitors that require employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, needs, and issues quickly and accurately. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate supplies and equipment with precisio ... (truncated, view full listing at source)