Lead Mental Health Assistant

Universal Hospital Services Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Challenging environment

Growth opportunities

401k with company match

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

Free meals

Job summary

Hermitage Hall, a UHS company, seeks a Lead Mental Health Assistant for our adolescent residential unit. The role involves supervising staff, mentoring new team members, and applying the behavioral management program to ensure safety and therapeutic progress.

The Lead will respond to crises, document actions, and promote engagement in individual and group activities while upholding HIPAA and state regulations.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree preferred or higher where applicable.
• High school diploma required or equivalent.
• Two years direct care experience with behavioral/emotionally challenged youth preferred.
• Proficient in verbal de-escalation and Handle With Care.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and implement the behavioral management program to minimize risk and ensure safety.
• Respond to crisis promptly and document actions.
• Train and mentor new staff on program implementation and policies.
• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and compliance with regulations and licensing.
• Document client behavior and daily activities accurately and timely.
• Escort and supervise clients during meals, activities, and appointments.
• Use de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement to support a healthy environment.

Skills

Verbal de-escalation

Program manual knowledge

Handle With Care

Education

BA/BS degree preferred

High school diploma

Job description

Responsibilities

Hermitage Hall (a UHS company) is currently seeking a Lead Mental Health Assistant to join our team of dedicated professionals.

Shifts Available: 3rd Shift: 10:45 p.m. - 7:15 a.m.

*Exciting opportunity with a locally based adolescent facility*

Hermitage Hall is one of Middle Tennessee's largest stand-alone psychiatric residential treatment hospitals. Licensed by Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as a mental health residential treatment center for children and youth, Hermitage Hall has provided services to families for over 30 years.

The Lead Mental Health Assistant is responsible for ensuring that staff and residents adequately follow the program. Mentors and trains new staff in program implementation, interpretation, and application. Administers verbal de-escalation during crisis situations. Responds to all codes and participates in protective holds.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Supervises and assists in implementation of the behavioral management program so that physical violence / sexual behavior is minimized and handled per policy.
• Response to crisis in a timely manner, ensuring proper notification and documentation is completed.
• Introduces and helps to develop and implement creative and innovative ideas for the program.
• Regularly monitors safety and cleanliness of facility and grounds; works with the Mental Health Assistants to ensure security and safety issues are immediately reported. Also, understands and assists with state licensing regulations, CARF standards, HIPAA policy, state contract, ordinances, laws, or other regulations required of them in their position and acts consistently in obedience to same.
• Implement individualized treatment plans through continuous line-of-sight supervision.
• Maintain facility safety through close observation, alertness, and proactive risk awareness.
• Promote client participation in individual and group activities with positive guidance and encouragement.
• Complete accurate, timely documentation of client behavior and daily activities.
• Apply and develop counseling skills under clinical supervision in individual or group settings.
• Ensure clients' basic needs are met, including hygiene, clothing, and linens.
• Escort and supervise clients during meals, recreation, education, and medical appointments.
• Respond to crises using de-escalation techniques and sound safety judgment.
• Use effective communication, boundaries, and positive reinforcement to support a healthy peer environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefit Highlights:

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Growth and development opportunities within UHS and its subsidiaries
• Competitive Compensation
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plan
• 401k plan with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Free meals

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies. Headquarters in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

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Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS degree preferred.
• High school diploma
• Two years direct care experience working with behavioral/emotionally challenged youth.
• Must be proficient in verbal de-escalation and Handle With Care.
• Must also possess a strong knowledge of the program manual and its implementation.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be able to complete a mandatory, two-week new hire orientation M-F, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

***This role requires a full background check including fingerprint, drug screen, and employment verification***

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.