Mental Health Assistant - BSU

About the role

We're seeking a compassionate, team-oriented Mental Health Assistant to join our Behavioral Science Unit (BSU). In this role, you'll be a key part of our multidisciplinary team, helping create and maintain a therapeutic environment for patients with psychiatric and behavioral health needs. You'll provide direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, ensuring physical and emotional support, safety, and respectful communication at every step. Your work will have a lasting impact on the health and recovery of our patients.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring patient behavior and symptoms, accurately documenting and reporting observations to the care team
• Aiding in the development and implementation of individualized care plans and treatment strategies
• Supporting patients with activities of daily living including hygiene, meals, and medication reminders
• Performing vital signs, weight checks, intake/output measurements, and specimen collection
• Interacting therapeutically with patients to support emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Participating in multidisciplinary meetings, admissions orientation, and patient education
• Escorting patients to appointments or diagnostic tests and transporting labeled specimens to the lab
• Facilitating group or individual therapeutic activities and encouraging participation in unit programming
• Monitoring unit safety through environmental checks, visitor supervision, and patient observation
• Assisting with crisis de-escalation and behavioral management, including restraint application when necessary
• Ensuring documentation is timely, accurate, and reflects patient progress and safety
• Collaborating with physicians and team members to support individualized treatment planning
• Acting as a role model and preceptor for new staff as directed
• Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and staff
• Performing basic housekeeping duties and ensuring cleanliness and order in patient areas
• Adhering to all hospital safety protocols including infection control and emergency procedures

Requirements

• Associate's degree in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related health field
• Consideration will be given to candidates with relevant experience in lieu of formal education
• Prior psychiatric or behavioral health experience strongly preferred
• Training in crisis intervention and behavioral restraint application is a plus
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire
• Strong observational, communication, and documentation skills
• Ability to maintain composure and adapt in high-stress and emergency situations
• Physically able to perform job duties, including managing agitated patients and handling moderate lifting

Qualifications

• Professional, empathetic, and sensitive to the unique needs of psychiatric patients
• Strong teamwork ethic with the ability to collaborate across disciplines