Behavioral Health Attendant

Lifespan; Taunton (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Attendant for Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA. You will provide direct non-clinical support and observe patients under RN supervision, helping with daily activities and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment.

The role requires prior experience in direct patient care or related education, with de-escalation training and a strong commitment to patient privacy and dignity. Night shifts, weekends, and holidays are required.

Qualifications

• Direct patient care and observations as directed.
• Must understand safety and de-escalation procedures.
• Respect for patient privacy and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, non-clinical support under RN supervision.
• Conduct patient observation and report changes promptly.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living as needed.
• De-escalate situations using approved verbal techniques.
• Maintain safe, clean patient areas and ensure safety guidelines are followed.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as assigned.

Skills

Compassion

De-escalation

Confidentiality

Education

High School diploma

One year of human services education

Job description

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Registered Nurse, the Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA) provides direct, non-clinical support to patients requiring direct or indirect observations and who may be experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges. BHAs collaborate with clinical staff to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment while upholding patient dignity and adhering to Brown University Health care values.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Brown University Health employees are expected successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another
• Receives report on assigned patient before assuming responsibility of observations.
• Conduct continuous or intermittent patient observation as assigned.
• Reports changes in patient condition to nursing or clinical staff promptly.
• Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activity in accordance with established protocols.
• Maintain patient focus at all times, free from distractions.
• Assists patients with daily activities such as hygiene, meals, and mobility, as needed based upon report and direction received by registered nurse.
• Actively engages with assigned patient(s) throughout shift in a compassionate and respectful manner while providing interaction and recreational activities in accordance with training provided.
• De-escalate situations using approved verbal intervention techniques to promote patient and staff safety.
• Obtains initial certification and annual re-certification in system/facility approved de-escalation and restraint course with no restrictions for those working in behavioral health and emergency departments, BLS, and training in safe patient handling per facility guidelines. Must be able to perform physical aspects of the position which may include lifting, turning, and physical care/movement of patients from a sitting, standing or kneeling position.
• Attends staff development, supervision, and staff meetings as assigned.
• Ensure the care area is free of hazards and complies with safety guidelines, and assist with the maintenance of clean and orderly patient care spaces
• Observes patient rights, Maintains confidentiality of patient information,
• Maintains patient privacy.
• Follows hospital policy and procedures regarding patient and staff safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

High School graduate or its equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous experience in direct patient care and/orpatient observations, or competition of one (1) year of progressive education in a human services-related field (e.g., psychology, nursing, social work, health sciences) is required

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Participates in patient care, activities of daily living, and physical management of patients according to training.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Work alongside clinical staff; including nurses, social workers, therapists, and physicians to achieve treatment goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Pay Range:

$18.25-$26.58

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

Morton Hospital - 88 Washington Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780

Work Type:

7pm-7:30am; every other weekend and holiday is required

Work Shift:

Night

Driving Required:

No

Union:

1199 Seiu United Healthcare Workers East