Behavioral Health Attendant - Emergency Services

RIH Rhode Island Hospital; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Attendant to provide direct and indirect observations for patients facing mental health challenges at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Under RN supervision, the BHA supports daily living activities, monitors mood and behavior, and participates in safety procedures, de-escalation training, and patient engagement.

This non-clinical role requires a high school diploma, prior care experience, and a commitment to compassionate, confidential

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of progressive education in a human services field or relevant experience.
• Direct patient care and observation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct or indirect observations of patients as assigned.
• Report changes in patient condition promptly to nursing staff.
• Monitor and document patient mood, behavior, and activity.
• Assist with activities of daily living per RN direction.
• De-escalate situations using approved verbal techniques.
• Maintain patient safety and confidentiality.
• Attend staff meetings and follow safety guidelines.
• Work with clinical staff to support therapeutic environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Direct patient care

Patient observation

De-escalation techniques

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma

1 year 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/or patient observations, or completion 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: $21.09-$22.04

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: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type: 1900-0730: every other weekend/holiday

Work Shift: Night

Driving Required: No

Union: International Brotherhood Teamsters

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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