Behavioral Health Associate

About the role

Provide care for patients in accordance with the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers at all times. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to patient safety and providing excellent customer service.
• 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 individualized supervision guidelines.
• 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.
• Monitor patient safety through required rounds completed in a timely manner; keep patient rooms clean and uncluttered.
• Perform observation duties every 15 minutes, staying within reach of the patient and/or providing 1:1 patient care.
• Obtain and document patient vital signs, height, and weight as assigned.
• Identify self to patients and visitors promptly and respond to patient requests quickly.
• Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
• Respond to distressed patients in a non-threatening manner and attempt to understand the source of distress.
• Apply de-escalation techniques to help manage patient emotions, behavior, and participation in treatment; assist with seclusion and restraint when necessary.
• As part of the multidisciplinary team, provide safety, increase coping skills, and assist in developing strategies for patient independence.
• Monitor behavioral improvements and reinforce these behaviors; report changes and responses to treatment to the team.
• Report significant changes to the nurse immediately.
• Reinforce skills patients learn from nurses, physicians, and therapists that promote improved physical and mental wellness.
• Oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration, and changing bed linens as needed.
• Assist with patient admissions and discharges when needed.
• Lead or co-lead individual or group sessions as part of recreational or therapeutic procedures.
• Participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs and teach strategies to promote patient wellness and independence as needed.
• Provide transportation for patients or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff as needed.
• Ensure quality of work through accuracy, neatness, and timeliness; adhere to work schedule and overall attendance.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months of experience as a Behavioral Health Associate (BHA1) preferred.
• Six months or more of experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

Licenses/Designations/Certifications

• CPR certification required.
• De-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by the facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.