Job Details

Position SummaryBehavioral Health Associate (BHA) provides behavioral health care for patients that is safe, cost‑effective, and exemplary of health‑care quality standards. Under the direct supervision of a nurse, a BHA participates in patient observation, planning, implementation, and evaluation as part of the delivery of behavioral health services.ResponsibilitiesDemonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population.Participate in determining behavioral health care needs based on collection of relevant data.Acquire and monitor clinical data, considering age and diagnosis, and report to or consult with the assigned nurse.Participate in decision‑making regarding implementation of behavioral health interventions and plan of care.Assist in inter‑professional planning by providing resource data and evaluating patient progress toward goals.Prioritize and perform appropriate interventions and recognize responses to interventions when assigned by the nurse.Document in the electronic health record factual, accurate, complete, timely, and legal information about care provided.Assist in admission, transfer, and discharge processes under the direction of the nurse.Participate in meeting all identified patient and family education needs as assigned, documenting provision of education.Seek to improve quality of services and actively participate in quality initiatives.Demonstrate careful and responsible financial stewardship, including cost‑saving ideas and effective time management.Adhere to universal precautions and perform proper hand hygiene according to Infection Control Policy.Communicate effectively with other departments, patients, families, coworkers, and students in person or over the phone.Participate in life‑support activities as required, responding to Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Code Blue emergencies.Adhere to Safety Habits and demonstrate safe operation of equipment.Assist in conducting supportive groups, including community meetings.Physically intervene in potentially volatile situations, call for assistance as needed, observe and document patient intent to harm, and notify the nurse immediately.Complete patient rounds, monitoring, and documentation; monitor patients based on provider‑ordered precautions.Transport patients by appropriate means to or from procedures or tests off the unit, consulting with the nurse.Assist patients to bed with side rails up (if applicable) and provide appropriate reality re‑orientation.Complete vital sign documentation, observe patient behavior, document all interventions completed, record I&O data, and assist with ADLs as needed.Demonstrate effective computer skills for electronic charting, occurrence reporting, and other software tasks required by ECU Health.Participate in education, patient rounds/conferences, simulation activities, and obtain education contact hours necessary to maintain licensure/certifications.Maintain confidentiality of protected health information at all times.May assume additional responsibilities as directed, such as clinical coach for students or new employees.Serve as an observer, monitoring patients for escalating behaviors, maintaining confidentiality, and alerting the nurse or supervisor when risk of harm is identified.Communicate effectively with the patient's care team and provide meaningful handoff communication.Document accurate and timely observations on monitoring tools/forms/patient record as requested.Provide hazard surveillance and risk reduction within the patient's physical environment.Engage patients in distraction activities as needed and seek professional development opportunities.Minimum RequirementsHigh School Diploma, GED, or higher.American Heart Association HeartSaver certification or BLS.Active NC Nursing Assistant I or Nursing Assistant II certification (if primary employment is ECU Health Medical Center, or ECU Health Beaufort). (Preferred at ECU Health Duplin).Non‑violent crisis intervention training (NVCI) or other de‑escalation program adopted by ECU Health; if not current at hire, must complete within first 90 days and maintain.Prefer a minimum of 1 year of work experience in a behavioral health inpatient setting or similar environment.Other InformationLocation: ECU Health Medical Center – Adult Specialty Care Unit (ASU)Shift Requirements: DayHours: Part‑timeWeekends: YesEqual Employment OpportunityECU Health values diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements, and applicant's qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law. Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, is prohibited, as is retaliation against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.#J-18808-Ljbffr