Behavioral Health Safety Clinician - Behavioral Health Unit - Full Time - Forbes Hospital

Company :

Allegheny Health Network

Job Description : 

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

This job is responsible for cultivating a safe and secure environment within the facility. It ensures specialized support for patient and staff well-being by proactively preventing incidents, adeptly managing behavioral health crises, and developing staff through expert-led training in de-escalation and safety protocols. The core mission is to foster a secure and supportive space for all within our facility.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performing continuous safety and security patrols, including conducting patient property searches, and documenting/reporting unsafe conditions and security violations within the facility (30%).

• Responding to crisis events, including utilizing physical restraint techniques to control violent patients, assisting clinical staff with uncooperative patients, and collaborating with law enforcement when necessary, as well as providing debrief on crisis events(20%).

• Initiating, following up on, and monitoring behavior contracts with patients to promote accountability and a safer environment. Providing ongoing support and collaboration with clinical staff to manage challenging patient behaviors and enhance overall patient care within a safe environment (20%).

• Investigating reports of incidents such as suspicious activity, safety concerns, and other security-related issues, ensuring thorough documentation and appropriate follow-up(10%).

• Educating peers and new hires on behavioral health safety protocols and crisis de-escalation techniques, and conducting crisis response training as needed in collaboration with unit leadership and education departments. Testing security alarms and safety equipment regularly to ensure proper functionality and readiness for emergency situations(10%).

• Act as a liaison for the Employee Assistance Program, such as in crisis or critical response incidents to support clinician well-being (10%).

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Technology, Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice, Security Administration, Emergency Management, or any other healthcare-related field.

• 2 year of Direct patient care experience in a behavioral health or mental health setting (e.g., Mental Health Technician, Psychiatric Technician, or similar role)

• Crisis Intervention In HealthCare  (CRH) Within 3 months of hire

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Upon Hire 

• Act 34 Criminal Background Clearance Upon Hire 

• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance Upon Hire 

• Act 73 FBI Fingerprinting Criminal Background Clearance Upon Hire 

• Mental Health First Aid Certification (MHFA) Within 3 Months of hire

Preferred

• 1 year of Experience in a security role (e.g., Hospital Security Officer, Security Guard, or similar)

• 1 year of Experience providing training or education to peers or new staff

SKILLS:

• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing with patients, staff, multidisciplinary teams, and external partners (e.g., law enforcement) for reporting, education, and professional interaction.

• Behavioral Health Acuity and Patient Observation: Demonstrated ability to observe, assess, and accurately document changes in patient status (physical, mental, emotional) pertinent to treatment plans and safety, with a specialized understanding of behavioral health populations.

• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation: Proven ability to effectively de-escalate agitated individuals, manage behavioral crises, and utilize appropriate physical intervention techniques (e.g., restraints) when necessary, particularly in behavioral health settings.

• Safety and Security Protocol Adherence: Strong understanding and consistent application of safety and security policies, procedures, and regulations, including contraband control, property management, and patrol duties.

• Incident Response and Reporting: Proficiency in responding to various incidents (e.g., suspicious activity, security breaches, criminal acts), conducting investigations, and thorough, accurate documentation.

• Training and Education Delivery: Ability to develop and deliver effective training programs and educational sessions on behavioral health safety, de-escalation, and crisis response to diverse audiences including peers and new hires.

• Equipment and System Operation: Basic knowledge and ability to test and operate security alarms and safety equipment.

• Physical Stamina and Agility: Ability to perform duties that may require prolonged standing, walking, patrolling, and engaging in physical interventions as needed.

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times.  In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. 

Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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