Job Details

Behavioral Health Associate

The Behavioral Health Associate provides behavioral health care that is safe, cost-effective, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with established health care quality standards. Under the direct supervision of a nurse, the Behavioral Health Associate participates in patient observation, planning, implementation, and evaluation as part of the interdisciplinary care team.

Behavioral Health Associates provide population-appropriate care within their assigned unit or clinical setting and support therapeutic partnerships with patients and families. Responsibilities include assisting with behavioral health interventions, goal-directed care planning, patient education, and accurate documentation in the electronic health record.

The Behavioral Health Associate may also serve in the role of Observer as assigned. The Observer is responsible for monitoring one or more assigned patients for a specified time period and alerting the assigned nurse or supervisor if a patient exhibits behaviors indicating risk of harm to self or others. Additional patient care tasks may be delegated within the associate's scope of practice while under nursing supervision.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the assigned patient population.

Ensures patient safety and implements interventions as needed.

Utilizes developmentally appropriate de-escalation techniques to ensure safety during at-risk behaviors, including self-harm or harm to others.

Acts as an observer responsible for monitoring assigned patients according to the plan of care and provider orders, communicating effectively with the care team and receiving handoff from the assigned nurse.

Monitors, documents, and intervenes as appropriate in situations involving potential harm, escalating concerns to the primary nurse.

Maintains a safe environment by identifying and removing potentially harmful objects from patient belongings and surroundings.

Facilitates group and individual therapeutic activities.

Completes vital signs as ordered.

Engages patients in appropriate activities to reduce escalation, such as structured interactions, games, or ambulation.

Documents accurate and timely observations using required monitoring tools and the electronic health record.

Provides support to assigned clinical areas during times of low patient volume, serving as a vital ancillary team member.

Serves as a resource for de-escalation and patient monitoring techniques and may assist with training other team members.

Provides informal supportive interactions with patients and families.

Participates in behavior modification plans and therapeutic interventions.

Monitors therapeutic activities to ensure emotional and safety needs are met.

Assists patients with routine activities of daily living.

Reinforces teaching provided by licensed clinicians.

Provides indirect care including cleaning work areas, changing linens, restocking supplies, transporting patients, assisting with new employee orientation, and performing routine clerical tasks.

Minimum Requirements

Associate Degree or higher is required but can be replaced with 2 years in an inpatient hospital or outpatient psychiatric setting with a high school diploma.

BLS Certification is required.

Active NAI Certification required.

1 year or more experience in behavioral health preferred.

Other Information

Location: ECU Health Medical Center-Emergency Department

Shift Requirements: As needed

Hours: Full-time

Weekends: Yes