Behavioral Health Specialist (Part-Time)

Location: Mercy Hospital St. Louis
Schedule: Part-Time (24 hours/week)

The Behavioral Health Specialist supports the delivery of high-quality, individualized patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. This role focuses on promoting patients’ physical and mental wellness through therapeutic engagement, clinical support, and maintaining a safe, structured care environment.

At Mercy, you’ll join a compassionate team dedicated to delivering care aligned with our mission, values, and service standards.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Therapeutic Support

• Provide direct patient care, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), nutrition, mobility, and hygiene
• Monitor and document vital signs, intake/output, patient participation, and overall condition
• Observe and promptly report changes in patient behavior, mood, or condition
• Build therapeutic relationships using effective communication and appropriate boundary setting
• Lead or co-lead group activities and support behavioral interventions and safety plans
• Assist with patient admissions, transfers, discharges, and orientation to the unit

Safety & Crisis Management

• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment by following all safety, infection control, and patient rights policies
• Conduct safety rounds and ensure adherence to fall precautions and restraint protocols
• Respond to behavioral escalations using de-escalation techniques; assist with crisis interventions alongside licensed staff
• Properly manage patient belongings and maintain environmental safety standards
• Complete incident reporting in accordance with hospital policy

Coordination of Care

• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary care team to support treatment planning and patient outcomes
• Assist in developing and implementing behavioral modification and care plans
• Participate in shift handoffs to ensure continuity of care
• Document patient status and care activities accurately and in compliance with policy
• Support quality improvement initiatives and participate in team-based decision-making

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate critical patient information, including safety concerns, to appropriate team members
• Maintain professional, respectful interactions with patients, families, and coworkers
• Provide clear and accurate reports during shift transitions
• Demonstrate strong teamwork and adaptability in a dynamic care environment

Clinical & Technical Support

• Assist with clinical procedures and operate equipment such as vital signs monitors, EKG machines, bladder scanners, and glucose monitoring devices
• Document patient care in the electronic medical record (EMR)
• Support unit operations, including inventory management and maintaining necessary supplies

Leadership & Development

• Serve as a resource to team members and assist with onboarding and training new staff
• Support ongoing staff education and unit improvement initiatives
• Ensure tasks and workflows are completed efficiently and according to standards

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience (one of the following):

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related behavioral health field
• Associate degree plus relevant behavioral health experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a behavioral health or related field

Preferred Experience:

• Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Care, or Direct Support Professional experience

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to use therapeutic communication techniques consistently
• Excellent critical thinking and prioritization skills
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations
• Commitment to teamwork and patient-centered care

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, reposition, and support patients as needed
• Frequent standing, walking, and hands-on patient care activities

Why Join Mercy?

• Mission-driven, patient-centered culture
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional growth in behavioral health
• Meaningful work that makes a difference in patients’ lives