BHA III Lead

Summit BHC•Dona Ana County Crisis Triage Center, NM

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Behavioral Health Associate works under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse as part of the treatment team. The role provides continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, safety, and role modeling. The Lead BHA monitors and reports patient behavior; assists with daily care, crisis situations, and medical emergencies; supports medical records, BHA assignments, clerical work, and patient data collection; and provides guidance, mentoring, and training to BHAs. This is an onsite, individual-contributor position at the Dona Ana County Crisis Triage Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least two years of experience as a BHA required.
At least two years of experience working with the facility's specific patient population required.
Knowledge of common psychiatric disorders and/or dual diagnosis and treatment modalities for the population served required.
Exceptional knowledge of and skills in verbal de-escalation and crisis intervention required.
CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a human service field from an accredited college or university preferred.
First aid may be required depending on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Ensure patient wellbeing and maintain a safe, positive, supportive, structured environment under the direction of the charge nurse or supervisor; maintain awareness and supervision of patients.
Oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration, and changing bed linens.
Conduct safety checks at intervals set by individualized supervision guidelines.
Check patients for contraband and manage their valuables and belongings.
Interact with patients, observe behavior, and communicate significant observations to the supervisor.
Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to support treatment goals.
Facilitate educational and rehabilitative groups on topics such as social skills, coping skills, and independent living skills.
Take and accurately record vital signs and report significant changes in patient condition to the charge nurse.
Chart in patient records in a timely, accurate, and appropriate manner.
Use de-escalation techniques to support patient emotional and behavioral management and treatment participation; assist with seclusion and restraints when necessary.
Assist with unit cleaning, organization of new-admission charts, discharge processes, filing, and incident reports.
Provide or coordinate patient transfers and transportation as required.
Receive reports from the previous shift to plan care and give accurate, thorough reports to the oncoming shift Lead.
Assist with admissions and discharges as needed.
Participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs and teach strategies that promote patient wellness and independence as needed.
Ensure the program schedule is followed and report schedule variances to the supervisor.
Assist the Charge Nurse with BHA assignments, group coverage, charting, breaks, environmental and safety rounds, and codes.
Guide and direct other BHAs, including mentoring new staff.
Perform day-to-day administrative tasks, including maintaining files and processing paperwork.
Coordinate and lead the work and activities of others, including scheduling programs and activities.
Maintain inventory of unit supplies.