Mental Health Associate

Universal Health Services; Ashland City (TN); On-site; USD 21,270 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Challenging and rewarding work environment

Competitive compensation

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans

401(k) with company match

Student loan refinancing program

Career development opportunities

Pet insurance

Free meal per shift

Job summary

Universal Health Services is seeking a Mental Health Associate at Oak Plains Academy in Ashland City, Tennessee. In this crucial role, you will be responsible for direct patient care of adolescent residents, ensuring their safety and well-being while supporting their therapeutic needs. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, and flexibility in scheduling is essential due to the nature of the role. Benefits include competitive compensation and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, or a related field; technical degree in allied health preferred.
• Minimum of a high school diploma with at least one year of mental-health experience.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Follow program schedule and ensure resident compliance.
• Promote resident development and safety.
• Document resident behaviors accurately.

Job description

Responsibilities

• Starting wage of $15.44/hr up to $23/hr based on experience in behavioral health, higher education, and military service.
• Shift differential: $4/hr on weekends, $2–$3/hr during weekdays.
• Frequent opportunity for overtime.

Shift Schedule

• Day Shift: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Night Shift: 6 PM – 6 AM

***This role requires a successful background check, fingerprinting, and employment verification.***

Key Responsibilities

• Follow program schedule and milieu with minimal supervision.
• Enforce program rules and ensure resident compliance.
• Promote resident development and safety.
• Remain alert at all times, using forethought to anticipate potentially unsafe situations.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of resident behaviors.
• Attend and complete all scheduled in‑services and trainings as required.
• Alert supervisors to risk‑management and quality concerns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, or a related field; a technical degree in allied health is preferred.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent plus at least one year of mental‑health experience with demonstrable competence.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license in good standing (military‑affiliated candidates exempt).
• Satisfactory health, strength, and stamina for physical demands: walking, running, standing, lifting, irregular hours, and use of “Handle with Care” restraints.
• Minimum age 21 years.
• Flexible schedule.
• Must attend the two‑week orientation classes, Monday through Friday.

Benefits

• Challenging and rewarding work environment.
• Competitive compensation and generous paid time off.
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• 401(k) with company match and discounted stock plan.
• SoFi student loan refinancing program.
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its subsidiaries.
• Pet insurance.
• Free meal per shift.

More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com

About Oak Plains Academy

Oak Plains Academy is looking for people who want to make a difference in the lives of youth as a Mental Health Associate. The Mental Health Associate is a front‑line position with responsibility for direct patient care of adolescent residents, ensuring their safety and well‑being while supporting the therapeutic milieu. The role involves implementing patient behavioral programs, documenting behaviors, building positive relationships across the facility, following policies, and providing crisis intervention as necessary. The ideal candidate is patient, compassionate, and dedicated to helping children with mental health and behavioral challenges. Overtime may be required, and flexibility is essential.

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 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.