Behavioral Health Associate 1

• Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and providing excellent customer services.
• Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment.
• Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines as needed.
• Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient's medical record.
• Assist in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff.
• Patient safety is monitored through required rounds completed timely. Patient room is clean and uncluttered.  Observation may be assigned every 15 minutes, within reach of patient and/or 1:1 patient care.
• May obtain patient’s vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in patient record. accurate.
• Identify self to patient and visitors promptly and respond to patient requests quickly.
• Engage with patient in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
• Respond to distressed patient in a non-threatening manner and attempt to understand the source of distress.
• Apply de-escalation techniques to help manage patient’s emotions, behavior and participation in treatment and assist with seclusion and restraint when necessary.
• As part of the multidisciplinary team provide safety and increase coping skills of patient and assist in developing strategies for helping patients to be as independent as possible.
• Monitor behavioral improvements and reinforce these behaviors. Report changes and responses to treatment by communicating with team.  Significant changes are reported to nurse immediately.
• Reinforce skills patients learn from nurses, physicians and therapist that promote improved physical and mental wellness.
• Oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens, as needed.
• Help with admissions and discharges if needed.
• Lead or co-lead individual or group sessions as part of specific recreational or therapeutic procedures.
• Participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs as well as teach strategies to promote patient wellness and independence, as needed.
• Provide transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member, as needed.
• Quality of work exhibited through accuracy, neatness, and timeliness of work completed.
• Adherence to work schedule and overall attendance.

• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.  When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.  Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire).
• Basic Life Support required (training available up hire).