Behavioral Health Associate - Part Time (24 Hours) - 03.00pm - 11:30pm (Evening)

Acadia Healthcare•Haverhill, MA

11h•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Associate plays an integral role on the interdisciplinary treatment team. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and treatment team, the Behavioral Health Associate carries out assigned patient care activities in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, and standards. This role provides 1:1 support to patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, and escalating emotional distress. Behavioral Health Associates provide compassionate, individualized care, adapting their interactions based on each patient’s clinical presentation and therapeutic needs. When you join the Haverhill Pavilion team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a positive impact in patients' lives. As a Behavioral Health Associate, you are an integral part of the treatment team provided for patients upon admission to our facility. Each unit utilizes a team nursing approach to take care of our patients. Nurses work in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Associates in order to provide the highest standard of care for our patients. You will play a crucial role in enabling a safe and therapeutic environment for patients by providing a positive, supportive, and structured environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience in human services, social work, behavioral health, or in a hospital setting is preferred but not necessary.
Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals.
Engage with patients to assess mental status, progress towards treatment goals, and emotional needs throughout the shift.
Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors, and communicate significant observations to nursing staff.
Encourage patient participation in therapeutic activities and individualized behavior strategies.
Assist in crisis situations through verbal de-escalation techniques and physical interventions following CPI standards and hospital policies.
Provide consistent 1:1 support for assigned patients, maintaining therapeutic engagement throughout the shift.
Float to different units within the hospital based on staffing needs.
Utilize patient-specific coping skills and sensory strategies as outlined in treatment or safety plans.
Educate colleagues on patient-specific triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies.
Identify and communicate barriers to discharge planning.
Support patient orientation during admissions by assisting with searches, vital signs, and reviewing unit guidelines.
Reinforce unit rules and serve as a positive role model for patients.
Provide peer mentorship and help orient new Behavioral Health Associates under the guidance of nursing leadership.
Protect and advocate for patient rights.
Attend and actively participate in department meetings; review minutes when unable to attend.
Complete annual mandatory training and proactively identify personal educational needs.
Accept and apply feedback to continuously improve clinical and professional skills.
Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and provide excellent customer services.
Ensure the well - being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment.
Responsibl e for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or in accordance with indivi dualized supervision guidelines as needed.
Document timely , accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient's medical record .
Assist in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff .
May oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.
May o btain patient's vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in patient record.
Facilitate patient educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including social skills, coping skills, anger management and independent living skills.
Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
Complete and maintain required documentation .
Assist with follow-up and paperwork as on incidents and events that may take place in the facility.
May p rovide transportation f or patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member .
Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.
When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.
Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.