Behavioral Health Associate - PRN

Summit BHC•Las Cruces, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Associate I is an integral member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. The role monitors and reports client behaviors; provides continuous client care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling; assists with client data collection, recording, and maintenance; and responds to crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed. This onsite, individual-contributor position supports clients in a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment. It includes monitoring clients, assisting with treatment and recreational activities, documenting observations and vital signs, and contributing to unit operations.

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 specific population served by the facility.
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 maintain a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment through constant awareness and supervision.
Conduct safety checks at intervals specified by individualized supervision guidelines.
Check clients for contraband and manage their valuables and belongings.
Interact with clients, observe their behavior, report significant observations to a supervisor, encourage group therapy attendance, and promote unit activity participation.
Engage clients in activities and interactions intended to support achievement of treatment goals.
Facilitate educational and rehabilitative groups on topics such as social skills, coping skills, and independent living skills.
Take and properly record vital signs and report significant changes in a client's condition to the charge nurse.
Chart timely, accurate, and appropriate information in client records.
Apply de-escalation techniques to help manage client emotions, behavior, and participation in treatment.
Assist with unit cleaning, organization of new-admission charts, discharge processes, and filing; initiate client or employee incident reports.
Provide or coordinate client transfers and transportation as needed.
Receive reports from the previous shift, use the information to plan the shift, and provide an accurate, thorough report to the oncoming shift.
Welcome new clients, introduce them to clients and staff, explain programs, encourage participation, and orient them to the activities program and its benefits.
Remain aware of clients' needs and individual goals, motivate participation in beneficial activities, and observe interests and behaviors.
Contribute ideas to activity planning and a diverse therapeutic recreation program.
Organize and set up equipment for recreational activities and provide clients with activity resources and supplies as needed.
Enforce safety rules, prevent injury, and modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
Help develop and maintain departmental resources and monitor equipment and supplies.