Mental Health Assist I

02 UHS Hospitals; City of Binghamton (NY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

UHS Binghamton General Hospital is seeking a Mental Health Assistant to support individuals with mental health needs in inpatient and outpatient settings. You will collaborate with Nursing, Social Work, and Therapy staff to provide compassionate, patient-centered care under provider orders.

The role involves assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patients, and supporting safety procedures, including response to Code Blue as directed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred: Nursing Assistant program or coursework in mental health field.
• Experience in healthcare environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, hydration and nutrition, and personal care.
• Performs vital signs, intake/outtake, and documents findings.
• Ensure comfort and safety; assist with mobility and equipment; monitor for restraints as required.
• Conduct rounds to anticipate patient needs and encourage participation in activities.
• Assist with ECT procedures: setup, transport, post-procedure care.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Nursing Assistant program

Job description

Position Overview

UHS Binghamton General Hospital is hiring a Mental Health Assistant to support individuals with mental health needs by providing compassionate, patient‑centered care. In this role, the Mental Health Assistant ensures individuals with mental health conditions receive appropriate care and treatment, collaborating with Mental Health Technicians, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Rehabilitation staff, and Physicians. Provides services across inpatient and outpatient mental health settings in accordance with provider and nursing orders. Serves patients, their families and significant others, and supports Registered Nurses and interdisciplinary team members within mental health services. Schedule: Part‑time, 24 hours weekly, Night shift At UHS, we believe that every connection matters—from the way we support our patients in critical moments to how we empower our teams to grow and succeed.

At UHS, we believe that every connection matters—from the way we support our patients in critical moments to how we empower our teams to grow and succeed. If you're ready to contribute to strategic planning, drive departmental goals, and lead with empathy in a fast‑paced environment, we invite you to make a meaningful impact where every connection truly counts.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit: K3 Psychiatric, UHS Binghamton General Hospital

Primary Work Shift: Night

Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours: 24

Compensation Range: $19.37 - $28.09 per hour, depending on experience

Responsibilities

• Assists patients or provides complete care including bathing, dressing, grooming, hydration and nutrition, and care of personal space and belongings.


• Performs clinical measurements including Vital Signs, Intake and Output and documents findings.


• Ensures comfort and safety in the environment for individual patients, families, self and coworkers through good body mechanics when assisting patients with mobility and transportation, proper use of equipment, following policy for restraints and seclusion, and use of monitoring techniques.


• Makes frequent rounds observing patients to anticipate possible patient needs.


• Plans, initiates, and assists patients with unstructured activities to address leisure time needs and encourages patient participation in all activities.


• Reports patient or unit problems to the appropriate RN or Mental Health Tech.


• Assists with ECT treatments according to procedure including obtaining, set up and cleaning of equipment; providing support and assistance to physicians and nurses; transporting patients; and monitoring patient oral intake post ECT recovery.


• Follows procedures in caring for the potentially violent patient and the patient in danger of hurting him/herself or others including monitoring all levels of observation, assisting with the initiation of seclusion and application of restraints, and caring for restrained and secluded patients.


• Responds to Code Blue situations in all areas of the hospital as directed utilizing all CPI principles in verbal de-escalation, physical restraint (appropriate to age), 4 point restraint and maintaining a safe environment in all situations, under the clinical supervision of a CPI trained RN.


• Initiates and maintains appropriate and accurate documentation as required by UHS policy and procedure.


• Escorts patients away from the hospital campus and works closely with the interdisciplinary staff in the planning of transfers.


• Performs duties such as errands, covering telephones, and other limited tasks on the units.


• Performs assigned housekeeping duties.


• Performs other related duties as assigned.


• Will perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED


• Preferred: College courses leading to a degree in a mental health related field or Nursing


• Previous education in a Nursing Assistant program


• Previous work experience in a health care environment

License/Certification

Preferred: Certified Nursing Assistant

Why You’ll Love Working at UHS

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.

A Culture of Connection

We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration.

Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk‑or‑treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.

Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family

• We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week.


• With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best.


• Discounted childcare through Bright Horizons.


• Voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.

Well‑Being & Financial Security

• From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge.


• 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards.


• 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.

Growth That Moves with You

• 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility.


• Compensation review to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.

A Place to Call Home

• Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle.


• Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top‑rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close‑knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.

About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not‑for‑profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long‑term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two‑thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers. At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well‑being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us! United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.

UHS proudly offers benefits to all full‑time employees and part‑time employees who are hired into a regular position of at least 24 hours per week (60% FTE).

Make New Connections

We believe that people—and the connections among them—must remain at the core of everything we do. Whether you’re directly caring for patients, supporting our clinical operations, or working to ensure our administrative functions run effectively, your impact will be recognized and appreciated.

Unlock Greater Opportunities

Our commitment to you extends beyond a paycheck. We want you to thrive professionally and personally. Not only will you provide care and support for our patients, but you’ll also be cared for, too. While many organizations make this claim, we back it up with action. We take workforce feedback seriously and we continually implement new education initiatives, compensation models, and recognition programs in service of our people.

Proud to be Team UHS

Our footprint spans across every part of New York’s Southern Tier. But we don’t just serve our community, we’re a part of it, too. We are volunteers, coaches, local leaders, parents or grandparents, and mentors. UHS team members can be found at almost every local walk, fundraiser, and sporting event. We promote wellness and health equity within and far beyond our walls.