Behavioral Health Associate - Part Time (24 Hours) - 7am - 3:30pm

About the Role

The Behavioral Health Associate plays an integral role on the interdisciplinary treatment team. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and treatment team, the Behavioral Health Associate carries out assigned patient care activities in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, and standards. This role provides 1:1 support to patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, and escalating emotional distress. Behavioral Health Associates provide compassionate, individualized care, adapting their interactions based on each patient’s clinical presentation and therapeutic needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision is conducted at 15-minute intervals to prioritize patient safety.
• Engage with patients to assess mental status, progress toward treatment goals, and emotional needs throughout the shift.
• Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors, and communicate significant observations to nursing staff.
• Encourage patient participation in therapeutic activities and individualized behavior strategies.
• Assist in crisis situations through verbal de-escalation techniques and physical interventions following CPI standards and hospital policies.
• Provide consistent 1:1 support for assigned patients, maintaining therapeutic engagement throughout the shift.
• Float to different units within the hospital based on staffing needs.
• Utilize patient-specific coping skills and sensory strategies as outlined in treatment or safety plans.
• Educate colleagues on patient-specific triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies.
• Identify and communicate barriers to discharge planning.
• Support patient orientation during admissions by assisting with searches, vital signs, and reviewing unit guidelines.
• Reinforce unit rules and serve as a positive role model for patients.
• Provide peer mentorship and help orient new Behavioral Health Associates under the guidance of nursing leadership.
• Protect and advocate for patient rights.
• Attend and actively participate in department meetings; review minutes when unable to attend.
• Complete annual mandatory training and proactively identify personal educational needs.
• Accept and apply feedback to continuously improve clinical and professional skills.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in human services, social work, behavioral health, or in a hospital setting is preferred but not necessary.
• Passion for behavioral health and commitment to Haverhill Pavilion’s mission.

Paid training and opportunities to gain experience in a behavioral health setting are provided.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement up to $3,000/year.
• Full suite of employee benefits.

Pay

Base pay rate: $17–$20.25/hour.

Shift differentials are available for the following shifts and will be added to the base rate of pay:

• Weekend: +$1.25/hour
• Weekday evening: +$1.25/hour
• Weekend evening: +$2.50/hour
• Overnight: +$4/hour

Schedule

• Shifts available: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (8 hours).
• Part-time (24 hours) available, 3 days per week.
• All full-time and part-time employees work every other weekend.

About the Team

At Haverhill Pavilion, our purpose is to Lead Care With Light, and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation.

To our patients, we commit ourselves to providing quality, individualized care that offers a supportive, caring environment in which they can regain hope. To our employees, we commit to offering an enviable internal culture that encourages personal and professional growth, supporting them as they reach their career goals and achieve their greatest potential.