Behavioral Health Associate

About the role

Behavioral Health Associate (BHA) - PRN Nights - New Behavioral Health Hospital near Jacksonville, FL - Opening Late Summer 2026. We are seeking full-time BHAs who will be responsible for providing personal care services to patients at the facility under the direction of clinical or nursing leadership. Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority. Coastal Pines will be a modern, purpose-built facility and a cornerstone of behavioral health care in Northeast Florida, designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality psychiatric services in the region. The 144-bed behavioral health hospital, located in St. Johns, will offer a full continuum of services including inpatient psychiatric care, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and provide excellent customer services.
• Ensure the well‑being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment.
• Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision is conducted at 15‑minute intervals, as noted in special precautions or in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines as needed.
• Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in the patient’s medical record.
• Assist in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff.
• Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors and communicate significant observations to nursing staff.
• Oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.
• Obtain patient vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in the patient record.
• Facilitate patient educational‑rehabilitative groups covering topics such as social skills, coping skills, anger management and independent living skills.
• Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
• Complete and maintain required documentation.
• Assist with follow‑up and paperwork as required on incidents and events that may take place in the facility.
• Provide transportation for patients or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff members.
• When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.
• Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.
• CPR and de‑escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including performance‑based incentives
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match through Acadia Healthcare
• Equity/stock‑based incentive awards for long‑term financial growth
• Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick days