Behavioral Health Specialist, Burnet ED (Nights)
Job Description
Behavioral Health Specialist – Burnet Emergency Department (ED)
Expected Starting Salary Range: $21.00 – $24.05
Location/Unit: Emergency Department (Burnet campus)
Shift/Hours/FTE: Night shift – 36 hrs weekly – 0.9 FTE
Benefits Eligibility: Full-Time Benefits Eligible
Working as a Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) in the 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
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
Primary Location
Burnet Campus
Schedule
Full time
Shift
Night (United States of America)
Department
Burnet Emergency Department
Employee Status
Regular
FTE
0.9
Weekly Hours
36
*Expected Starting Pay Range
*Annualized pay may vary based on FTE status
$21.00 - $25.72
About Us
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 for more than 15 years
Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding
Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune
Consistently certified as great place to work
A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability
Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.
Comprehensive job description provided upon request.
Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability