Behavioral Safety Assistant II

Penn Medicine; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine is seeking a Behavioral Safety Assistant II to join their interdisciplinary team. This critical role involves providing direct observation to patients at risk, conducting rounds, and maintaining patient safety through various interventions. Ideal candidates will possess BLS certification and strong communication skills, with a minimum of a GED. Join a leading academic medical center devoted to patient care and innovative practices.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits programs

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• 1+ years experience in a patient care environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of computers.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 observation of assigned patients based on behavioral health needs.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living and record behaviors in EMR.
• Implement safety protocols and interact with patients to reduce agitation.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Basic Life Support

Patient observation

Education

H.S. Diploma/GED

Job description

Join to apply for the Behavioral Safety Assistant II role at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System.

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Join to apply for the Behavioral Safety Assistant II role at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical, and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Summary

• The Behavioral Safety Assistant (BSA) II is a key member of the interdisciplinary team responsible for the continuous observation of assigned patients. This role involves either direct bedside observation or remote video/virtual surveillance. The BSA II is primarily assigned to patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others, or those with impaired judgment, or those who need continuous observation and engagement due to other safety concerns. The role reports through the behavioral health department and works closely with the nursing department throughout the hospital, including the Emergency Department, inpatient nursing units, and other areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 observation of assigned patients based on behavioral health or safety needs, maintaining direct line-of-sight at all times unless directed otherwise.
• Conduct regular rounds to monitor a cohort of patients with behavioral health needs, ensuring timely documentation of observations.
• Use video/audio monitoring software proficiently for remote patient surveillance.
• Assist patients with ambulation, activities of daily living (ADLs), hygiene needs, and basic toileting.
• Assist with setting up meal trays and feeding patients, excluding those with swallowing precautions.
• Perform safe patient transfers using proper ergonomics and equipment.
• Observe patient behavior and health status, promptly reporting any notable changes to the RN.
• Implement safety protocols for patients at risk of falls or ligature incidents and safeguard from hazards.
• Interact with patients to reduce aggression, agitation, or confusion, using personalized interventions.
• Record patient behaviors and interventions in the EMR or paper forms.
• Actively contribute to identifying and reporting safety concerns, and respond immediately to emergencies.
• Participate in shift hand-offs and educate patients and visitors about the observation program.

Credentials

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)
• CPR Certification, training provided if not held at hire.

Education or Equivalent Experience

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• 1+ years experience in a patient care environment preferred, with effective communication skills and working knowledge of computers.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our benefits include comprehensive programs and tuition assistance. Penn Medicine is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment.