Behavioral Health Associate - Full TIme

Summit BHC•Las Cruces, NM

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Associate I is an integral member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. The position monitors and reports client behaviors; provides continuous care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling; assists with client data collection and records; and responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed. This is an onsite, individual-contributor position at Las Cruces Recovery Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The associate helps maintain a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment; supports clients’ participation in treatment and activities; facilitates educational and rehabilitative groups; and assists with therapeutic recreation. The role also includes maintaining accurate records, communicating client needs and changes in condition, supporting admissions and discharges, and helping maintain unit and activity resources.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
CPR certification and de-escalation training are required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

Six months or more of experience working with the facility’s specific population.
Knowledge of common psychiatric disorders and/or dual diagnosis and treatment modalities for the population served.
First aid, if required by state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Ensure client wellbeing and provide a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment.
Maintain awareness and supervision of clients, including conducting safety checks according to individualized supervision guidelines.
Check clients for contraband and manage their valuables and belongings.
Interact with clients, observe behavior, and communicate significant observations to a supervisor.
Encourage attendance at group therapy and participation in unit activities.
Engage clients in activities and interactions that support treatment goals.
Facilitate educational and rehabilitative groups on topics such as social skills, coping skills, and independent living skills.
Take and record vital signs, and communicate significant changes in a client’s condition to the charge nurse.
Chart in client records accurately, appropriately, and on time.
Use de-escalation techniques to help manage clients’ emotions, behavior, and treatment participation.
Assist with unit cleaning, organization of new-admission charts, discharge processes, and filing.
Initiate client and employee incident reports.
Provide or coordinate client transfers and transportation as required.
Receive report from the previous shift to plan for the shift and provide an accurate, thorough report to the oncoming shift.
Welcome new clients, introduce them to other clients and staff, explain programs, and encourage participation.
Orient clients to the activities program and explain the benefits of activities.
Remain aware of clients’ needs and individual goals while motivating them to participate in beneficial activities.
Observe clients’ interest levels and behaviors.
Offer activity ideas and assist with planning a diverse therapeutic recreation program.
Organize and set up equipment used in recreational activities, and provide activity resources and supplies as needed.
Enforce safety rules, prevent injury, and modify activities to meet the needs of specific groups.
Help develop and maintain departmental resources and monitor equipment and supplies.