BHA Lead

Summit BHC•Saint Joseph, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Behavioral Health Associate III is an integral member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. The role monitors and reports client behaviors; provides continuous client care, supervision, interaction, and role modeling; assists with client data collection and record maintenance; and responds to crises and medical emergencies as needed. The position also coordinates and leads the work and activities of other BHAs, including scheduling programs and activities, and provides guidance and mentoring to staff.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Ensure clients’ wellbeing and maintain a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment.
Maintain constant awareness and supervision of clients, including conducting safety checks at intervals specified by individualized supervision guidelines.
Check clients for contraband and manage their valuables and belongings.
Interact routinely with clients, observe their behavior, and communicate significant observations to the supervisor.
Encourage attendance and participation in group therapy and unit activities; engage clients in activities designed to support treatment goals.
Facilitate educational and rehabilitative groups covering topics such as social skills, coping skills, and independent living skills.
Take and record vital signs and communicate significant changes in a client’s condition to the charge nurse.
Chart in client records in a timely, accurate, and appropriate manner.
Use de-escalation techniques to help manage clients’ emotions, behavior, and treatment participation; respond to crisis situations and medical emergencies as needed.
Assist with unit cleaning, new-admission chart organization, discharge processes, filing, and other administrative tasks.
Initiate client and employee incident reports.
Transfer or transport clients, or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff, as required.
Receive and provide accurate, thorough shift reports to support continuity of care.
Welcome and orient new clients to other clients, staff, programs, and activities, and encourage participation.
Remain aware of clients’ needs and individual goals; motivate them toward beneficial activities and observe their interest and behavior.
Assist with activity planning by suggesting new activities and therapeutic recreation options; organize and set up equipment and provide activity resources and supplies.
Enforce safety rules, modify activities to suit specific groups, and help monitor equipment and supplies.
Assist with admissions and discharges, and participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, including teaching strategies to promote wellness and independence, as needed.
Ensure the program schedule is followed and report variances to the supervisor.
Assist with BHA assignments, group coverage, charting, breaks, environmental and safety rounds, and codes.
Provide guidance and direction to other BHAs, including mentoring new staff.
Maintain files, process paperwork, coordinate and lead work and activities, schedule programs and activities, and maintain unit supply inventory.