Behavioral Health Attendant

MHS Brown University Health Taunton; Taunton (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health Taunton is seeking a Behavioral Health Attendant to provide direct non-clinical support to patients with mental health needs. The role emphasizes observation, safety, compassionate interaction, and collaboration with nursing staff to maintain a therapeutic environment at Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA.

This night shift positions require endurance for 7pm–7:30am hours, lifting and movement of patients as needed, and completion of de-escalation and safe patient handling

Qualifications

• High School graduate or its equivalent required.
• Previous experience in direct patient care and/or patient observations, or completion of one (1) year of progressive education in a human services-related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Receives report on assigned patient before assuming responsibility of observations.
• Conduct continuous or intermittent patient observation as assigned.
• Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activity.
• Assist patients with daily activities such as hygiene, meals, and mobility as needed.
• Engage with patients compassionately and provide interaction and recreational activities.
• De-escalate situations using approved verbal intervention techniques.
• Maintain a safe environment and follow safety guidelines.

Skills

Patient observation

De-escalation techniques

Communication

Safety procedures

Education

High School diploma

Tools

De-escalation training

Safe patient handling

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

As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England. Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day. Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state’s largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty practice in Rhode Island.

Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve. We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well-being of our employees and their families. Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself.

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