BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONIST - DAYS

Shift:40 hours per week, Monday - Thursday 1000-2030, some weekend coverage depending on needs of the department.
Department: Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT)
Compensation:

* Base Pay Range: $25.32 - $39.99 per hour, based on experience

* Shift Differentials: Additional $1.75 per hour for weekend shift

ABOUT THE JOB

We are expanding our Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT)! These new members will play a vital role in managing patients experiencing acute behavioral crises within our hospital. In this position, you will utilize your expertise in behavioral health management and de-escalation to ensure safe, efficient, and professional responses during emergencies. We will contribute to staff education, program development, crisis management, and team building.

As part of a dynamic and expanding team, you will respond throughout our hospital system, gaining valuable opportunities to learn across all service lines and network within the organization. Our Behavioral Health Response Team is excited to extend its services to bedside support while actively working to mitigate risks.

As a BERT member, you will be responsible for providing immediate behavioral intervention to patients in crisis. You will collaborate closely with clinical teams, security personnel, and other hospital departments to manage potentially escalating situations, ensuring the safety of both patients and staff. Your ability to promote effective communication and utilize de-escalation techniques will be essential in maintaining a calm and supportive environment during high-pressure situations.

This role demands strong interpersonal skills, quick thinking, and a commitment to upholding a secure and supportive environment for both patients and staff. We are eager to expand our team and continue growing our capabilities to prevent, mitigate, and effectively respond to escalations throughout our hospital system.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. We believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger - to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system - the only in mid-Missouri - is home to multiple hospitals, including the region's only Level 1 Trauma Center and region's only Children's Hospital as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here, you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions - with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

* Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one

* Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays

* Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8%and full vesting in three years

* Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)

* Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

* See a comprehensive list of benefitshere.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

Collaborate with BERT (Behavioral Emergency Response Team) members and key individuals across the hospital system to develop and continually improve the BERT program, including a comprehensive program to identify at-risk patients.

Respond to BERT notifications for assistance, perform rapid scene safety assessments, and make critical and clinical decisions aligning with the therapeutic goals of the patient and the core principles of the BERT. Assist in coordinating cross-discipline response efforts, assume the lead in de-escalating patients when appropriate, review safety plans with staff, provide support to staff, and debrief with patients and staff after behavioral escalation events.

Assess patients by reviewing admission charts and merging patients into the appropriate patient assignment or clinic flow.

Provide care to assigned patients in accordance with physician instructions; make preliminary observations of patients and prepare patients for medical treatment. Provide bedside education on patient safety and behavioral plans.

Monitor the progression of high-risk patients from admission to discharge, identifying opportunities for additional patient support and staff training.

Work closely with physicians, primary care nurses, Care Coordination, and third-party payers to maintain quality care and fiscal responsibility.

Coordinate and implement individualized behavior management/safety plans for patients with behavioral needs, in collaboration with healthcare teams and within regulatory guidelines.

Counsel and advise staff, patients, and caretakers regarding the post-hospital care plan, special medical problems, and proper healthcare methods. Offer support in discharge planning and aftercare.

Assist in the development of protocols for managing patients with behavioral health needs, including those at risk of self-harm or harm to others. Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing management of education programs for new and continuing staff, including topics such as policies and procedures, patient safety, managing high-risk patients, de-escalation strategies, use of individual care plans, and related topics. Collaborate with the Center for Education and Development in the development and delivery of these programs.

Provide testimony in court regarding the client's mental and physical condition, as needed for safety or discharge planning.

Participate in quality assurance reviews and assigned committees and work groups.

May complete unit/department-specific duties as outlined in department documents.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years of direct behavioral health patient care experience.

One of the following:

--Missouri Board of Nursing RN or Nurse Licensure Compact multi-state RN. When primary state of residency changes, compact state RNs must apply under new state of residency within thirty (30) days; or

--Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years of psychiatric acute care experience.

Bachelor's degree in nursing.

Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a related field.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure by the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers Board.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors Board.

Licensed Psychologist by the Missouri Committee of Psychologists Board.

Behavior Analyst licensure by the Missouri Behavior Analyst Advisory Board.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and requires ambulating, reaching, demonstration of physical hold techniques, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs. This role also routinely comes into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Occasional evenings and weekends required.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.