Behavioral Health Security Specialist

To maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment for patients by providing a visible, proactive presence, assisting clinical staff with behavioral management, utilizing de-escalation techniques, and responding appropriately to behavioral emergencies. This position works collaboratively with the clinical team to prevent and manage escalating behaviors while preserving patient dignity, safety, and well-being.

Job Duties

• Maintaining a visible, proactive presence in psychiatric and behavioral health treatment areas.
• Proactive violence prevention, intervention, coaching, and safety
• Assisting clinical staff in managing potentially aggressive or escalating situations.
• Establish therapeutic relationships and identify antecedents and behavioral patterns.
• Using verbal and nonverbal de-escalation techniques to prevent violence.
• Responding to behavioral emergencies and providing appropriate physical intervention when necessary.
• Demonstrating composure, judgment, and professionalism during crises.
• Supporting bedside care when appropriate and within the employee's training.
• Collaborating with clinical teams to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Document incidents, identify trends, and contribute to safety improvement CONTACTS Supervises
• No supervisory responsibilities Approximate number of direct reports: Approximate number of indirect reports: Age of Populations Served
• Children 5-10 years Adolescents 11-17 years Adults 18+ years Other: Internal Contacts
• Students / Residents Providers (i.e. physicians) Staff (i.e. clinical and admin support staff) Other: External Contacts
• Parents / Guardians / Referral Sources Providers Vendors Community agencies and advocates Regulatory agencies Other: OVERTIME STATUS
• Exempt (salaried - not eligible for overtime)
• Nonexempt (hourly - eligible for overtime) JOB REQUIREMENTS Minimum Education High School Diploma required Bachelor degree preferred Current Virginia QMHP registration preferred Minimum Work Experience: Mininum 5 years in security or behavioral health if high School or associates Minimum 3 years in security or behavioral health if Bachelors Preferably adolescent residential or inpatient psychiatry Required Skills, Licenses / Certifications CPR, First Aid, AED De-escalation training General Requirements Must be at least 19 years of age per Commonwealth of Virginia Interdepartmental Regulation of Children’s Residential Facilities.

Required Skills

Knowledge and Abilities Must have patience, tact, and a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm. Communicate in English effectively and document information accurately. Communicate effectively with all disciplines involved in the care of the resident. Ability to work well with others in a team setting and work well with a moderate level of direct supervision.

Possess knowledge about trauma-informed care, behavioral assessment, early warning signs, and de-escalation Knowledge of basic psychiatric terminology. Ability to develop healthy relationships with children, adolescents and adults consistently apply rules, expectations, and behavioral interventions. Proficient with Windows, Outlook, internet research, MS Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.