BHA/FT/PM

Summit BHC•Middleton, WI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Associate I works under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse as an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team. The role monitors and reports patient behaviors; provides continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling; assists with patient data collection, recording, and maintenance; and responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed. This onsite, individual-contributor position helps maintain a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment for patients. The associate assists with activities of daily living, conducts safety checks, observes and communicates patient behavior, supports treatment goals, facilitates educational-rehabilitative groups, records vital signs and patient information, applies de-escalation techniques, and helps with unit operations and patient transportation.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
CPR certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
De-escalation and restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

Six months or more of experience working with the specific population served by the facility.
Knowledge of common psychiatric disorders and/or dual diagnosis and treatment modalities for the population served.
First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Ensure patient wellbeing and maintain a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment under the direction of the charge nurse or supervisor.
Maintain constant awareness and supervision of patients.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration, and changing bed linens.
Conduct safety checks at intervals specified by individualized supervision guidelines.
Check patients for contraband and manage their valuables and belongings.
Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors, and communicate significant observations to a supervisor.
Engage patients in activities and interactions that encourage achievement of treatment goals.
Facilitate patient educational-rehabilitative groups on topics such as social skills, coping skills, and independent living skills.
Take and properly record vital signs and communicate significant changes in a patient's condition to the clinical team.
Chart in patient records in a timely, accurate, and appropriate manner.
Apply de-escalation techniques to help manage patient emotions, behavior, and treatment participation; assist with seclusion and restraints when necessary.
Assist with unit cleaning, new-admission chart organization, the discharge process, and filing; initiate patient or employee incident reports.
Provide or coordinate patient transfers or transportation as required.
Receive reports from the previous shift to plan work and give an accurate, thorough report to the oncoming shift.