Behavioral Health Associate

Responsibilities

Identify high risk patients, uses Crisis Intervention practices and support safety plan intervention techniques to maintain a safe environment. Performs environmental/patient safety rounds and implement a higher level of observation in emergencies. Reports observations, interactions and patient activity to assigned nursing staff timely. Understands patient characteristics, triggers, through trauma informed care and patient/environmental variables in order to assist in preventing patients from losing control. Participates in shift hand-off meetings, unit rounds, community meetings, team meetings and committee meeting as required. Participates in debriefing after codes, incidents, and use of restraints. Assists in the assessment of need for as well as the application and removal of restraints Leads or co-leads discussion groups on topics such as anger and safety. Reviews incident reports as needed to identify possible preventable factors and present these to the treatment team. Escorts patients during transfer, for testing or for admission on or off facility premises as required. Participates in quality assurance/performance improvement activities and departmental and/or facility-wide training as required. Provide ongoing training to unit-staff in implementation of de-escalation training and physical interventions. Assists the nursing staff in performing selected nursing procedures and functional tasks to specific patients Provides direct physical care, and/or one to one observation to selected patients under supervision Assists with lifting, positioning. moving and ambulating patients using body mechanics as instructed Transports patients by wheelchair, stretcher or bed Escorts ambulatory patients Escorts patients outside of the hospital as necessary Obtains and records blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rate in accordance with hospital policy. Provides direct assistance to patients with Activities of Daily Living as needed.

Qualifications

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's degree or some college coursework in psychology, social work, or social services field preferred. EXPERIENCE: Prior experience in a behavioral health setting preferred. At least 2 years of experience in a direct care role strongly preferred. This is a great role for experienced behavioral health techs and those that are looking to start a new, rewarding career in behavioral health!