Behavioral Health Associate - Inpatient Psychiatry - MSM - Full Time/Nights

The Behavioral Health Associate (BHA) engages interacts and assists patients in a therapeutic milieu and with a clinical team approach (with emphasis on patients identified as high risk).

Assists with the admissions, transfer and discharge of patients according to established policy and procedures.

A. Clinical/Technical/Service

1.Identify high risk patients, uses Crisis Intervention practices and support safety plan intervention techniques to maintain a safe environment.

2.Understands patient characteristics, triggers, through trauma informed care and patient/environmental variables in order to assist in preventing patients from losing control.

3.Participates in shift hand-off meetings, unit rounds, community meetings, team meetings and committee meeting as required.

4.Participates in debriefing after codes, incidents, and use of restraints.

5.Assists in the assessment of need for as well as the application and removal of restraints

6.Leads or co-leads discussion groups on topics such as anger and safety.

7.Reviews incident reports as needed to identify possible preventable factors and present these to the treatment team.

8.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.

9.Escorts patients during transfer, for testing or for admission on or off facility premises as required.

10.Participates in quality assurance/performance improvement activities and departmental and/or facility-wide training as required.

11.Provide ongoing training to unit-staff in implementation of de-escalation training and physical interventions.

12.Assists the nursing staff in performing selected nursing procedures and functional tasks to specific patients.

13.Provides direct physical care, and/or one to one observation to selected patients under supervision.

14.Assists with lifting, positioning. moving and ambulating patients using body mechanics as instructed.

15.Transports patients by wheelchair, stretcher or bed.

16.Escorts ambulatory patients.

17.Escorts patients outside of the hospital as necessary.

18.Obtains and records blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rate in accordance with hospital policy.

19.Maintains neat and clean patient and service areas.

20.Perform supplemental components of the nursing admission, i.e. tour of unit, orientation, patient and belonging search, as defined by RN.

B. Organizational/Managerial

1.Participates in the Department of Nursing Quality Improvement Program/activities.

2.Maintains patient/employee confidentiality in the management of information.

C. Educational/Professional Development

1.Participates in the development of other staff members.

2.Meets regulatory, licensure and annual health assessment requirements.

D. Communication/Relationships

1.Demonstrates a professional, courteous, and respectful attitude in dealing with patients, families and significant others.

2.Displays courtesy, tact and patience during interactions with all members of the hospital staff and extended community.

3.Maintains positive interpersonal skills with patients, visitors and staff.

4.Adheres to MSHS legal and ethical standards.

5.May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements                                                                                                                 

1. Associate Degree or equivalent with some college level courses or
2. A High School diploma or a G.E.D. and two years of full-time experience in law enforcement, Nursing or Psychiatric/Behavioral Health in a high volume, intensive care environment; or 
3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  However, all candidates must possess a minimum of a High School diploma or G.E.D.

 

Experience Requirements                                                                                                                

• See Above
• Trained on the job. Successful completion of on site preparation program.
• Successful completion of a Crisis Prevention and Intervention Course and updated according to policy

 

Licensing and Certification Requirements (if applicable)                                                           

Current Heart Saver Certification from American Heart Association

American Heart Association Heartsaver or BLS Certif