As part of the newly formed Behavioral Emergency Support Team (BEST), the Behavioral Health Consultant proactively assists clinical staff in assessing individuals with challenging behaviors and developing behavioral treatment plans. The role responds to behavioral emergencies throughout the hospital to promote a safe and therapeutic healthcare environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The consultant works with patients who may have a history of mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or medical illnesses that make them vulnerable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supports staff in proactively preventing and mitigating challenging, aggressive, and disruptive behavior. Completes daily rounding on patients with a heightened risk of violence in coordination with other team members.
• Acts as a de-escalation and behavioral crisis management resource for staff. Responds to emergent behavioral incidents as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• In collaboration with BEST and other Workplace Safety staff, collects information about patient contacts through review of medical charts and communication with patients, families, and caregivers.
• Reviews data with psychologists as needed and develops assessments, individualized best practices, and behavior plans in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Effectively prevents and de-escalates potential crises following training and with support from the interdisciplinary team. The consultant will regularly work in situations where physical aggression and property destruction occur.
• Ensures quality in program delivery through collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders regarding patient behavior, goals, progress, behavior recommendations, and placement.
• Manages daily operations of the service, including attendance at all team functions.
• Assists in creating training materials and conducting training as appropriate, including Management of Aggressive Behaviors (MOAB).
• Helps complete and maintain documentation of patient contacts.
• This position will require working holidays on a rotating or scheduled basis.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required.
• One or more years of experience working directly with individuals with challenging behaviors such as verbal and physical aggression, property destruction, or self-harm.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including demonstrated positive interpersonal skills and experience leading and/or participating as a member of work teams and groups.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience using MS Office.
• Demonstrated experience promoting a workforce/academic environment.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful work environment
• Ability to work holidays on a rotating/scheduled basis.

Desired Qualifications

• Three or more years of direct experience working directly with individuals with challenging behaviors such as verbal and physical aggression, property destruction, or self-harm.
• Experience with Applied Behavior Analysis or treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities and/or challenging behavior.
• Experience with counseling, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
• Experience with MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) or other de-escalation training.
• Knowledge of University and UI Health Care policies, procedures, and regulations.

Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.