Lead Behavioral Health Associate

Northwell•Amityville, NY

About The Position

Under direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Lead BHA performs all job functions as per the Behavioral Health Associate job description. The Lead BHA actively participates in providing education and staff development for other BHAs in his or her clinical area, assists in implementing changes in policies and procedures, and facilitates teambuilding

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, required.
American Heart Association CPR/AED Heartsaver (adult and child),required.
Ability to lift, turn, position, and restrain patients, as required.
Ability to communicate effectively, required.

Nice To Haves

Two year college degree, preferred.
Certified Nurse Aide or Home Health Aide certification, preferred.
One year relative experience with similar patient population, preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of duties directly related to patient care: Initiates and encourages interactions with patients through conversation, activities, and other means.
Encourages a therapeutic relationship with patients.
Orients patient to unit and hospital.
Provides factual information regarding treatment program.
Assists and guides patients carrying-out personal hygiene and housekeeping activities.
Assists and oversees patients at meal times.
Escorts patients to appointments and scheduled activities off unit - within and outside hospital.
Assists during admissions, discharges and/or transfers of patients.
Assists RN in carrying out treatment procedures including, but not limited to restraining patient, vital signs and other directed tasks.
Responds to medical and psychiatric emergencies with direction from RN; administers Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), when necessary.
Observes patient, as directed.
Assumes responsibility for whereabouts and safety of patients on and off the unit and/or grounds, as directed.
Co-leads patient education and activity groups, as required.
Performs various reporting and recording duties including, but not limited to: Reporting observations of patient behavior to RN and other team members.
Maintaining observation flow sheets for patient requiring various levels of supervision, i.e. constant observation, routine rounds, every fifteen minute checks.
Participating in nursing staff and team meetings by sharing observations and information.
Receiving and/or transmitting telephone messages concerning patient care in absence of Unit Clerk.
Reporting observations of patients' interactions with visitors.
Performs a variety of duties related to maintenance of physical environment including, but not limited to: Reporting potential hazards to RN and taking necessary measures such as mopping wet areas, removing hazardous material or other remedial action in the event of an emergency.
Performing environmental safety checks.
Transporting supplies such as laboratory specimens, food trays, drug baskets and other items to and from unit, as required.
Collecting soiled linen and distributing fresh linen to patients unable to do so themselves.
Maintaining general sanitary conditions on unit including washing patient's refrigerator and stove when necessary.
Delivers medication if required by Registered Nurse.
Performs duties related to communication, peer education and development: Consistently meets standards for attendance and punctuality.
Demonstrates availability to work flexible hours as staff needs dictate.
Responds to patient needs and concerns proactively.
Demonstrates superior interpersonal and communication skills.
Attends team and staff meetings and relaying pertinent information to absent peers.
Orients new staff and contributes to peer development.
Demonstrates team building and leadership skills.
Performs related duties, as required