Nursing Assistant (Non-Certified) / Behavioral Health Assistant / Harris / 9 Vacancies

As the Behavioral Health Assistant (BHA), working under direct supervision of licensed nursing personnel, you will perform routine and specialized patient care duties to psychiatric patients on any assigned unit. You will apply knowledge in age-specific criteria and advanced therapeutic interventions with psychiatric patients including those who have diverse backgrounds, disabilities and co-occurring disorders.
 

• Observes, monitors and reports patients' physical and behavioral conditions, including those who have diverse backgrounds, disabilities and co-occurring disorders, with consideration to age-specific interventions. Documents pertinent information in the clinical record. Relays patient's therapeutic activities to treatment team.
• Assists patients with their personal needs, including bathing, dressing, ambulating and oral hygiene. Cares for patients with, disabilities and co-occurring disorders. Uses appropriate body mechanics when stooping, bending, and lifting.
• Engages with patients in conversation and activities to encourage community participation. Plans and implements patient care activities and groups based on individual treatment plans. Utilizes age-specific interventions.
• Takes and records patient's vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and oxygen saturation. Collects specimens.
• Precepts new Behavioral Health Assistants to a designated lodge. May be chosen to model outstanding patient care practices and policy and procedure adherence throughout. Responsible for the orientation and care management instructions for new BHAs assigned to the unit.
• Maintains clinical competency by mastering/qualifying required mandatory and non-mandatory in-services/training during this rating period (e.g. MANDT/MAPS, CPR, SCEIS courses, cross training, and age-specific criteria).

A high school diploma or GED.

Health care or related experience.
Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.This position works either 7:00AM-3:30PM, 3:00PM-11:30PM or 11:00PM-7:30AM including rotating weekends, with the greatest need being evening and night shifts. The selected candidate must successfully complete the Basic Fundamentals course with a minimum grade of 75. Must be able to pass CPR and Managing Agitation in the Psychiatric Setting (MAPS) Certification. Knowledge of nursing procedures, personal hygiene, basic health and safety practices, basic human anatomy. Ability to perform MANDT and emergency care during emergencies. Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to see, hear at normal volumes, stand, walk, reach, pull, stoop, bend and climb at least two (2) flights of stairs. Ability to tolerate noise level and circulate in patient areas for long periods. Must be able to work with repetitive patient behaviors. Possible exposure to blood/body fluids.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex – including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
 
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
 
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave (Six Weeks for mother per year/Two Weeks for partner per year)
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Salary : $32,686