Behavioral Health Attendant

Brown Medicine•Cranston, RI

7d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Registered Nurse, the Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA) provides direct, non-clinical support to patients requiring direct or indirect observation and who may be experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges. BHAs collaborate with clinical staff to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment while upholding patient dignity and Brown University Health care values. The role involves observing and engaging with assigned patients, supporting daily activities as directed, documenting behavior, and reporting changes in condition to clinical staff. The BHA helps maintain safe, clean, and orderly care spaces, follows patient-rights, privacy, confidentiality, and safety requirements, and attends assigned staff development, supervision, and meetings. The position requires the ability to perform physical aspects of patient care and management according to training. The position is located at Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. The listed work schedule is 7:00 PM–7:30 AM, EOW/EOH, on the night shift. Pay range: $21.09–$22.04.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Previous experience in direct patient care and/or patient observation, or completion of one year of progressive education in a human-services-related field such as psychology, nursing, social work, or health sciences.
For those working in behavioral health and emergency departments, obtain initial certification and annual recertification in the system/facility-approved de-escalation and restraint course with no restrictions.
BLS certification and training in safe patient handling according to facility guidelines.
Ability to perform physical aspects of the position, which may include lifting, turning, and physically caring for or moving patients from sitting, standing, or kneeling positions.

Responsibilities

Model Brown University Health values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.
Receive a report on the assigned patient before assuming observation responsibilities.
Conduct continuous or intermittent patient observation as assigned.
Promptly report changes in a patient’s condition to nursing or clinical staff.
Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activity according to established protocols.
Maintain focus on the patient at all times and remain free from distractions.
Assist patients with daily activities such as hygiene, meals, and mobility as needed, based on the report and direction received from the Registered Nurse.
Engage assigned patients throughout the shift compassionately and respectfully, providing interaction and recreational activities in accordance with training.
De-escalate situations using approved verbal intervention techniques to promote patient and staff safety.
Obtain initial certification and annual recertification in the facility-approved de-escalation and restraint course, BLS, and safe patient handling training, as applicable to facility guidelines.
Attend assigned staff development, supervision, and staff meetings.
Ensure care areas are free of hazards, comply with safety guidelines, and help maintain clean and orderly patient care spaces.
Observe patient rights and maintain the confidentiality and privacy of patient information.
Follow hospital policies and procedures regarding patient and staff safety.
Perform other duties as assigned.