Behavioral Health Consultant - BHS Adult Psychiatry (1JPE) 50-90%25

The Adult Psychiatry inpatient unit (1JPE) is looking for an experienced Behavioral Health Consultant to assist in program development, assessment, and behavioral treatment for individuals with severe challenging behaviors. Patients may have a history of mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or medical illnesses that make them vulnerable.

Adult Psychiatry Unit

John Pappajohn Pavillion (1JPE) is a 4-bed inpatient unit with 4 beds for adults experiencing psychiatric symptoms related to mood disorders, thought disorders and, in some cases, co-occurring intellectual disabilities with psychiatric overlay.

Patients are the most acutely ill and tend toward more dysregulated behavior than other adult units. Behavior management plans are supported by psychology professionals.

The unit is routinely staffed with Registered Nurses, Psychiatric Nursing Assistants, and Behavioral Health Consultants within a treatment team that includes therapists, physicians, and social workers.

Areas of Responsibility

Prepares for individual patient contacts and assessments through review of medical charts and pre-appointment contact with patient, family, and caregivers. Prepares intake summary information for the inpatient unit.

Identifies behavior goals for hospitalization, assist team in the development of behavior programming and data collection. Reviews data with psychologist as necessary and develops additional assessment and treatment plans.

Assists in gathering objective data for behavioral assessment and treatment implementation.

Actively involved in implementing behavior treatment on the unit and coaching staff with frequent involvement in prevention of challenging behaviors, de-escalation and crisis management.

Coordinates behavior programming with interdisciplinary team members. Consults with interdisciplinary team members and provides training for staff as appropriate.

Completes literature reviews and continuing education in the area of applied behavior analysis and dialectical behavior therapy.

Must be able to effectively prevent and de-escalate potential crisis situations following training and support from interdisciplinary team. Consultant will regularly be working in situations where physical aggression and property destruction will occur.

• Assures quality in program delivery through collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders regarding patient goals, progress, behavior recommendations, and placement.
• Manages day-to-day operations of service, including attendance at all team functions.
• Assists in discharge planning, as appropriate.

Assists in the creation of training materials and conducting training as appropriate. May include follow-up with care providers following discharge from unit.

Assists in writing reports, including treatment recommendations.

Assists in training (e. g. practicum students, interns, graduate assistants) as appropriate

Assist in program development, assessment, and behavioral treatment for individuals with severe challenging behaviors. Patients may have a history of mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or medical illnesses that make them vulnerable.

• Percent of Time: 50-90%25
• Shift: 50-90%25 Rotating every other weekend/holiday
• P&S Pay Plans: hr.uiowa.edu

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education or related field is required

Experience Requirements

Minimum of one year of direct 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 email, spreadsheets and word processing programs.

Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

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 and treatment with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or challenging behavior desired.

• Experience with counseling such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Experience with CPI (Crisis Prevention)
• Knowledge of University policies, procedures and regulations is desired.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

Please attach an updated resume/CV as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions, contact Maggie Fraher at maggie-fraher@uiowa.edu.