Behavioral Health Associate

Lakeland Behavioral Health; Michigan; On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital in West Bloomfield, MI is hiring a Behavioral Health Associate to provide direct patient care under nursing and clinical leadership. Starting pay is $18.00+ per hour, with 12-hour shifts and rotating weekends.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and the ability to work with individuals facing behavioral health challenges. CPR and de-escalation training are required or provided on hire; candidates should show empathy and strong communication in a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health, or emotional challenges.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in fast-paced situations.
• Commitment to patient safety, dignity, and high-quality care.

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.
• Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that 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 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.
• May oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.
• May obtain patient's vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in patient record.
• Facilitate patient educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including 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.
• May provide transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member.
• 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.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Observation skills

Patient safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CPR certification

De-escalation training

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team as a Behavioral Health Associate

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital | West Bloomfield, MIStarting Pay: $18.00+ per hour (based on experience and qualifications)12-hour shifts with rotating weekends

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health, or emotional challenges.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in fast-paced situations.
• Commitment to patient safety, dignity, and high-quality care.

Preferred

• Six (6) months or more of experience in behavioral health, healthcare, human services, direct patient care, social services, or a related field.
• Experience working with adolescents, adults, or senior adults in a clinical, residential, or healthcare setting.
• Current CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Associate provides direct patient care and support services under the direction of nursing and clinical leadership. Responsibilities include monitoring patient safety, assisting with daily activities, supporting therapeutic programming, documenting observations, and helping maintain a safe, structured, and healing environment.

Successful candidates demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional approach in every patient interaction. They recognize that patient safety is the highest priority and are committed to delivering compassionate care that promotes recovery and well-being.

Why Join Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital?

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is a joint venture between Henry Ford Health and Acadia Healthcare, bringing together nationally recognized healthcare expertise to expand access to high-quality behavioral health services throughout the Greater Detroit area.

Our state-of-the-art facility in West Bloomfield was purposefully designed to support healing, recovery, and wellness. The hospital features contemporary amenities, six outdoor therapeutic spaces, and a collaborative culture centered on providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and families.
• Work alongside experienced behavioral health professionals.
• Gain valuable healthcare experience and career development opportunities.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to excellence in patient care.
• Contribute to a culture of compassion, respect, and teamwork.

Start a Rewarding Career in Behavioral Health

Join a team that is transforming behavioral healthcare in our community and helping patients find hope, healing, and recovery.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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.
• Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that 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 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.
• May oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.
• May obtain patient's vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in patient record.
• Facilitate patient educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including 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.
• May provide transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member.
• 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.
• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• 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.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equalemployment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.