Behavioral Health Associate

ECU Health Medical Center•Greenville, NC

3d•$18 - $24

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Associate provides safe, cost-effective, developmentally appropriate behavioral health care aligned with established quality standards. Under the direct supervision of a nurse, the associate participates in patient observation, planning, implementation, and evaluation as part of the interdisciplinary care team. The role provides population-appropriate care in an assigned unit or clinical setting and supports therapeutic partnerships with patients and families through behavioral health interventions, goal-directed care planning, patient education, and accurate electronic health record documentation. The associate may also serve as an Observer when assigned. In that role, the associate monitors one or more patients for a specified period and alerts the assigned nurse or supervisor to behaviors indicating risk of harm to the patient or others. Additional patient care tasks may be delegated within the associate's scope of practice under nursing supervision.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher, or a high school diploma with at least two years of experience in an inpatient hospital or outpatient psychiatric setting.
BLS certification.
Active NAI certification.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of behavioral health experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the assigned patient population.
Ensure patient safety and implement interventions as needed.
Use developmentally appropriate de-escalation techniques to support safety during at-risk behaviors, including self-harm or risk of harm to others.
Monitor assigned patients as an Observer according to the plan of care and provider orders; communicate effectively with the care team and receive handoff from the assigned nurse.
Monitor, document, and intervene as appropriate in situations involving potential harm, escalating concerns to the primary nurse.
Maintain a safe environment by identifying and removing potentially harmful objects from patient belongings and surroundings.
Facilitate group and individual therapeutic activities.
Complete vital signs as ordered.
Engage patients in appropriate activities to reduce escalation, such as structured interactions, games, or ambulation.
Document accurate and timely observations using required monitoring tools and the electronic health record.
Support assigned clinical areas during times of low patient volume as an ancillary team member.
Serve as a resource for de-escalation and patient monitoring techniques and may assist with training other team members.
Provide informal supportive interactions with patients and families.
Participate in behavior modification plans and therapeutic interventions.
Monitor therapeutic activities to ensure emotional and safety needs are met.
Assist patients with routine activities of daily living.
Reinforce teaching provided by licensed clinicians.
Provide indirect care, including cleaning work areas, changing linens, restocking supplies, transporting patients, assisting with new employee orientation, and performing routine clerical tasks.