Remote Observer - Behavioral Health Department

UNC Health; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

UNC Health Johnston Behavioral Health unit seeks a part-time Nursing Assistant to monitor patients continuously and communicate with both patients and staff. You will redirect patients via a digital audio device, assist nurses, document care, and participate in shift handoffs to ensure safety and timely responses.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, nursing assistant certification preferred, and strong multitasking ability.

Qualifications

• Capable of continuous monitoring of patients and remaining alert at all times.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients using a microphone and headset.
• Ability to communicate with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient behavioral changes.
• Basic computer operation skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintains visual observation at all times and verbally redirects patient via digital 2-way audio device.
• Summons nursing staff immediately when patient requires assistance.
• Documents appropriately in the system and relays information to RN.
• Participates in hand-offs and ensures patient safety and room surveillance.

Skills

Continuous monitoring

Effective communication

Multitasking

Equipment use (mic/ headset)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Your passion belongs at UNC Health. Join more than 56,000 teammates working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across North Carolina.

Summary

This position is responsible for maintaining visual observation at all times. Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

UNC Health Johnston offers a continuum of behavioral health services to support individuals in crisis. The Behavioral Health Holding area in the Emergency Department provides a safe space for immediate psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and stabilization. The Behavioral Health Triage process ensures patients receive immediate care through timely assessments, medical clearance, and coordination with inpatient psychiatric services. The Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit delivers comprehensive treatment through therapy, education, and personalized care planning, helping patients stabilize, build coping skills, and prepare for safe discharge with ongoing support.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of software. Maintains visual observation at all times. Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room. Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to this patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN. Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment. Arranges meal break times with nurse and informs nurse prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason so that relief may be provided to ensure constant patient observation. Provides patient with explanations as necessary, but does not counsel or provide opinions. Demonstrates behaviors in line with Service Excellence. Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse. Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs. Communicates pertinent patient information to appropriate person(s). Accurately relays information regarding patient needs to RN or US in a timely manner. Follows up with nurse throughout the shift regarding the status of all delegated tasks. Documents appropriately in system. All documentation is complete and accurate. Reports off to the RN and the oncoming NA prior to the end of shift. Maintains an environment of safety for patients, self and others and supports patient safety initiatives as demonstrated by following positive patient identification procedures, performing hand hygiene per policy.

Other Information

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; higher-level degree may satisfy this requirement.

Licensure/Certification Requirements

• Certification as a Nursing Assistant preferred.

Professional Experience Requirements

• One (1) year of Nurse Assistant experience is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements

• Capable of continuous monitoring of patients and remaining alert at all times while on duty. Ability to communicate effectively with patients using a microphone and headset Ability to communicate with hospital staff and respond quickly to patient behavioral changes. Ability to use discretion and courtesy when working with patients, visitors, and staff. Basic computer operation skills. Basic Microsoft windows experience. Efficiency in multitasking. Ability to prioritize simultaneous situations.

Job Details

• Legal Employer: NCHEALTH
• Entity: Johnston Health
• Organization Unit: Behavioral Health IP
• Work Type: Part Time
• Standard Hours Per Week: 24.00
• Salary Range: $18.00 - $24.66 per hour (Hiring Range)
• Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity
• Work Assignment Type: Onsite
• Work Schedule: Variable
• Location of Job: US:NC:Smithfield
• Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No

This position is employed by NC Health (Rex Healthcare, Inc., d/b/a NC Health), a private, fully‑owned subsidiary of UNC Heath Care System. This is not a State employed position.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.

UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities.