Behavioral Health Specialist - Kirkland, WA (Full-time, Part-time, PRN) - Connections Health Solutions

We’re not just behavioral health people—we’re crisis people.

Connections has built a model that combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment that gets people connected to community-based resources and back to their lives faster.  Our aim is for solutions, not just stop-gaps. Real support, not restriction.  We have proven that our model improves access, creates hope and makes the behavioral health crisis system work better, and we’re finding better ways to do it every day.

Our story

Originally founded by two emergency room psychiatrists, Dr. Chris Carson and Dr. Robert Williamson, Connections Health Solutions brings 30 years of experience serving individuals in crisis and operates two of the nation’s largest and most studied crisis response centers and is currently expanding to more states.  Since opening our doors, we have provided care and treatment for hundreds of thousands of individuals in crisis.

What You'll Do:

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) manages and maintains the safety of the individuals and staff. Takes vitals and assists individuals in meeting their needs while on the unit by providing exceptional customer service. Documents services provided and significant interactions in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). 

• Conducts security screening and inventories property of individuals upon admission to the facility. Provides orientation to the Observation Unit and Short-term Inpatient Unit. Educates individuals on their rights under Washington State regulations, grievance process, provides expectations, and explains rules and regulations.  
• Maintains safety of the unit. 
• Intervenes with escalated individuals using therapeutic techniques for de-escalation and performs restraints or seclusions (if applicable) when needed to ensure the individual’s safety and the safety of others. Completes 1-to-1 on anindividual in seclusion or mechanical restraints for 15 minutes.  
• Lifts, moves and transports individuals, using proper body mechanics and accident prevention.
• Assists individuals with activities of daily living to include eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring.  
• Conducts and documents individual's vitals and reports all questionable results to the RN/Physician attending the individual. Conducts and documents all BAL, urine drug screens, and urine pregnancy tests.  
• Attends court ordered hearings when subpoenaed and be a witness on a petition and provide testimony at court ordered hearings.  
• Documents all services and significant individual interactions in the Electronic Health Record.
• Monitors and documents individuals every 15 minutes. 
• Responsible for maintaining and ensuring the cleanliness of the facility and designated assigned unit.Performs light cleaning of interior center, collects soiled linen, and launders individuals clothing when needed. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned. 

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of behavioral health experience
• Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) certification, or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire
• Ability to perform Safe Clinch patient restraint techniques
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• Must be able to obtain a Washington State Food Handler's Card (BHS and RSS positions)

It Would Be Great if You Had:

• Certified training (Safe Clinch, therapeutic options, etc.)
• Completion of CNA or Patient Care Tech program
• Completion of BHT certification

What We Offer:

Full-time only:

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• Online Subscription to Headspace, a digital mindfulness and meditation platform
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan 

The typical hiring range for this role in Washington is $26.00 - $29.00 per hour.

Connections Health Solutions is proud to be a Second Chance Employer.

Connections Health Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.