Behavioral Support Specialist - Inpatient Mental Health - Regular Full-Time 2025-12502

Summary of Duties

The Behavioral Support Specialist will be part of an interprofessional team working adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with major mental illnesses. They will work with various disciplines within the program to develop behavioural care plans and interventions based on evidence-based practices. The specialist will implement these care plans within a person-centered framework to address root causes, enhance safety, and mitigate complications. The Behaviour Therapist acts as co-facilitator for in-patient group programming, as well as facilitates group therapy and individual counselling.

Responsibilities: 

• Collaborates with the interprofessional team to understand responsive behaviors in patients with various mental health conditions.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates behavioral care plans for patients with high-risk responsive behaviors in partnership with the interprofessional team.
• Provides consultation services for patients with high-risk behaviors in adolescent, adult, and PICU.
• Reviews care plans with the interprofessional team to foster comfort and competence with best practices for the prevention and management of high-risk behaviors.
• Coordinates patient discharge in collaboration with the care team, utilizing person-centered language in behavioral care plans.
• Examines processes, recommends, and implements solutions to improve practices, contributing to enhanced patient care.
• Participates in unit rounds to role model appropriate language in face-to-face discussions.
• Leads the evaluation of care in collaboration with patients, families, and the interprofessional team.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Health Care and/or Health Sciences related undergraduate degree required (clinical background with minimum of 2 years of experience working in an inpatient Mental Health settings is required. Master’s degree an asset).
• Current registration with a recognized health profession college or regulatory body if applicable
• Clinical experience providing behaviour analytic services to various populations, who have mental health and addiction issues.
• Formal training in CBT/DBT/Solution Focused therapy/Family Therapy/Supportive Counseling would be considered an asset.
• Experience with assessment and management of high risk responsive behaviours utilizing a behavioral framework (e.g. GPA, PIECES, DASA)
• Experience in using and training others in ABC behavioural data collection and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) principles an asset.
• Demonstrated Group therapy experience including, but not limited to, psycho-educational, task, recreation and psychotherapeutic groups required.
• Thorough knowledge of behavioral individual treatment and group programming involving data collection, data tracking, graphing, formulation, planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices related to treatment of mental health and addiction issues and their impact on individuals, families and caregivers.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing Individual and group counseling skills, including expertise with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, and Family Therapy required.
• Previous patient safety/quality improvement experience in a hospital setting
• Quality Improvement training /certification as asset
• Demonstrated success in establishing, leading, and maintaining positive change through quality improvement initiatives
• Demonstrated team leadership & conflict resolution skills
• Strong teaching and/or presentation skills
• Self-directed and strong collaborative skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills