Albany Medical Center·Albany, New York
The Mental Health Assistant provides direct patient care and maintains unit safety under the supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse. Key duties include collecting health data, assisting with personal care, and documenting patient progress.
$41,923.00 - $54,500.00 The Mental Health Assistant (MHA) functions as a member of the health care team under the supervision of the Registered Professional nurse utilizing principles of psychiatric care. Assists in giving and recording direct patient care and such unit maintenance as necessary to provide patient comfort and safety.
$19 - $23
Collects pertinent data and information relative to the patient’s health or situation, including vital signs, height and weight, and food and fluid intake and output. Reports abnormal findings to the RN and patient care team. Participates in care planning and the nursing report process. Incorporates patient/family rights to participate in decision making about their care. Utilizes standardized techniques for keeping patients and families informed. Provides personal care to patients including bathing, oral care, and skin care. Assists the patient with eating and hydration, grooming, dressing, and toileting. Incorporates safe patient handling into basic restorative care such as ambulation, range of motion and use of assistive and prosthetic devices. Employs strategies to promote a clean, orderly, and safe environment. Demonstrates standard and transmission-based precautions and infection control techniques. Provides details related to patient progress toward the achievement of goals and outcomes to the RN. Documents all care in the patient record. Supports a system that encourages the identification and analysis of errors and near misses in the context of a safety culture. Participates in departmental safety inspections to assure compliance with hospital safety standards as assigned. Is aware of and compliant with all hospital and regulatory agency safety goals and objectives as well as limitations of unlicensed assistive care.
High School Diploma/G.E.D. - required Associate's Degree - preferred Previous Mental Health related experience - preferred CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Upon Hire - required BCLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire - required
Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!
Please be aware for the safety and security of our colleagues and patients all new employees are required to successfully complete all applicable federal, State and institutionally mandated pre-employment screening requirements including: Relevant Background Check(s) Drug Screen PPD / Tuberculosis Test Reference Check Applicable vaccinations
A High School Diploma or GED is required, while an Associate's Degree and previous mental health experience are preferred. Candidates must obtain CPR and BCLS certifications upon hire.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in New York are often in steady demand, especially for clinicians who can support diverse age groups and handle assessments or admissions. These positions can be competitive because employers commonly look for independent licensure, while also considering associate-level candidates with clear growth toward full licensure. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your licensure status and assessment experience before applying.
