Mar 27, 2026

Behavioral Health Specialist

Job Description

BSMBSZUSR267216EXTERNALENUS With a legacy that spans over 150 years, Bon Secours is a network that is dedicated to providing excellent care through exceptional people. At every level, everyone on our teams have embraced the call to provide compassionate care. Here, you can work with others who share common values, and use your skills to help extend care to all of our communities.

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position 

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides direct patient care under the guidance of a designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and within policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health.  

 

Essential Job Functions  

  • Provides basic patient care to include, but not limited to, care and comfort, vital sign measurement, personal care and hygiene, and assists with mobility, including unit-based specialty duties.  

  • Acts as liaison between patient and nurse to report changes and/or concerns.  

  • Provides high-level customer service to all patients, patient's family, visitors, and employees.  

  • Provides accurate, precise, timely documentation when applicable for patient care.  

  • Participates in hand-off/report of pertinent information regarding patient and departmental needs upon arrival and when leaving.  

  • Performs delegated tasks once competency has been validated 

  • Completes patient rounding and 15-minute patient checks as assigned.  

  • Provides 1:1 patient safety companion service as needed.  

  • May collect patient data within scope of role  

  • May complete patient screenings as applicable  

  • May facilitate groups within scope (community, current events, etc.), treatment teams and participate in family meetings. 

  • Successfully participates to complete BSMH and departmental specific training as required 

 

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. 

 

Licensing/Certification 

BLS Basic Life Support American Health Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)  

State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA) (preferred)  

Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) (preferred) 

Registered Social Work Assistant (SWA) (preferred) 

Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) (preferred) 

Counselor in Training (preferred) 

Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS- BCP) (preferred) 

American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) (preferred) 

 

Education 

High School Diploma/GED (required)  

Bachelors, related field (preferred) 

 

Work Experience 

1 year of experience in a mental health or health care setting (preferred) 

 

Training 

None 

 

Language 

None 

 

Skills 

Critical thinking 

Conflict resolution 

Patient and family engagement and relationship building skills 

Teamwork 

Active listening 

Monitoring patient's condition  

Communication with nursing and physicians regarding any patient changes and/or concerns 

Timely and concise patient documentation  

Patient confidentiality  

Attention to detail 

Deescalating patients 

Understanding patient event codes, and role during a code.  

Physical restraint and deescalating skills 

Crisis Intervention 

Facilitating group training & treatment team meetings 

Supporting family meetings 

 

As a Bon Secours associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

  • Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
  • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
  • Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
  • Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon secours – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com