Behavioral Health Associate

Acadia Healthcare•Ocklawaha, FL

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Associate provides safety, observation, and support for clients receiving care at The Refuge, located on 96 acres in the Ocala National Forest. Full-time, benefit-eligible positions are available for the evening shift (3:00 pm–11:30 pm) and overnight shift (11:00 pm–7:30 am). Starting pay is $15.50 and increases based on experience. Shift differentials are available for evening, night, and weekend shifts. The role supports patient well-being in a safe, secure, comfortable, positive, and structured environment. The associate observes and interacts with patients, communicates significant observations to nursing staff, assists with daily living needs as needed, and helps facilitate educational and rehabilitative activities. The position also involves maintaining timely and accurate clinical documentation and responding to patient concerns professionally and empathetically.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
CPR certification required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
De-escalation and restraint certification required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
Ability to complete a Level 2 Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

Nice To Haves

Six months or more of experience working with the specific population served by the facility is preferred.
First aid may be required depending on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate urgency regarding patient safety and provide excellent customer service.
Support patient well-being and maintain a positive, supportive, and structured environment.
Conduct safety checks and provide supervision at 15-minute intervals, as indicated by special precautions or individualized supervision guidelines.
Document timely, accurate, and appropriate clinical information in patient medical records.
Help provide a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for patients, significant others, and staff.
Interact routinely with patients, observe their behaviors, and communicate significant observations to nursing staff.
As needed, oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration, and changing bed linens.
As assigned, obtain and document patient vital signs, height, and weight.
Facilitate patient educational and rehabilitative groups covering topics such as social skills, coping skills, anger management, and independent living skills.
Engage patients in activities and interactions that encourage progress toward treatment goals.
Complete and maintain required documentation.
Assist with follow-up and paperwork related to facility incidents and events.
As needed, provide patient transportation or coordinate it with an appropriate staff member.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude; acknowledge and work to resolve complaints when patient needs are unmet.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.