About this role
St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.
The Recovery Center Safety Specialist works under the supervision of the professional licensed nurse, providing services for clients, visitors, and staff. At all times the Behavioral Health Safety Specialist must display a professional, helpful, and positive demeanor when dealing with internal and external customers.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitors the therapeutic environment to ensure the safety for clients, employees, and visitors by performing safety/contraband/environmental checks.
Monitors client status by performing patient observations as assigned.
Inventory client personal belongings and log and secure valuables. Controls access to the client care areas through an admittance process.
Addresses hazards to safety in the physical environment. Accesses emergency services when needed.
Assures visitors are not introducing contraband/weapons to the inpatient unit.
Endeavors to develop and maintain a therapeutic rapport with clients at all times. Continually observes clients for early signs of distress and agitation to prevent escalation and uses the proper intervention technique.
Demonstrates skill as a member of the Control Team, in responding to agitation/violent behavior of individuals requiring verbal de-escalation.
Intervenes to help prevent physical harm to clients, staff and visitors. Also supports Security in these efforts when called to the Recovery Center.
Stands by during patient hearings and whenever unexpected or unpleasant information is going to be presented to a client/family member. May call on duty Security staff to support when necessary.
Assumes responsibility for maintaining a clean and orderly environment.
Facilitates client therapeutic and recreational activities under the direction of the professional licensed staff.
May be asked to perform simple tasks to assist nursing.
Demonstrates proper chain of command for work related issues.
Organizes work time to respond to established priorities. Uses time effectively and productively during periods of low department activity.
Demonstrates appropriate telephone and computer skills.
Completes Departmental Orientation Checklist within 90 days of employment and completes all identified competencies for job description on an annual basis.
Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.
Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
Demonstrates/models the Network’s Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external).
Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.
Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.
Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Individual must be able to meet established specific physical requirements of the job; sitting for up to 12 hours per day, 4 hours at a time; standing for up to 12 hours per day, 4 hours at a time; walking up to 12 hours/day, 4 hours at a time. Frequent handling and firm gripping in moving equipment. Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and walking of objects weighing in excess of 200 pounds with assistance if needed. Occasional stooping, bending, crouching, and reaching above shoulder level. Hearing as it relates to normal conversation. Seeing as it relates to general vision, color vision, and depth perception.
EDUCATION:
High School Graduate/GED required. BA/BS in human services/criminal justice field, or security training preferred.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Two years’ previous experience in situations requiring the ability to manage crisis situations including demanding or aggressive behavior required. Previous human service related or supervisory experience preferred. Knowledge of addictions and behavioral health disorders preferred. BLS certification required within 60 days of hire. MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) Verbal De-escalation Certification Training within 90 days of hire.
Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address. Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer. Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!
St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Other facts
About St. Luke's University Health Network
Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network of more than 23,000 employees providing services at 16 campuses and 350+ outpatient sites. With annual net revenue of $4 billion, the Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. St. Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. Dedicated to advancing medical education, St. Luke’s is the preeminent teaching hospital in central-eastern Pennsylvania. In partnership with Temple University, the Network established the Lehigh Valley’s first and only four-year medical school campus. It also operates the nation’s longest continuously operating School of Nursing, established in 1884, and over 50 fully accredited graduate medical educational programs with more than 500 residents and fellows. In 2022, St. Luke’s, a member of the Children’s Hospital Association, opened the Lehigh Valley’s first and only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to kids. SLUHN is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. It is both a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. The Network’s flagship University Hospital has earned the 100 Top Major Teaching Hospital designation from Premier 13 times total and eleven years in a row, including in 2023 when it was identified as THE #4 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY.
What you'll do
- The Behavioral Health Safety Specialist monitors the therapeutic environment to ensure safety for clients, employees, and visitors, performing safety checks and patient observations. They also intervene to prevent physical harm and support therapeutic activities under the direction of licensed staff.
Ready to join St. Luke's University Health Network?
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