Mental Health Assistant - BSU
About The Position
We're seeking a compassionate, team-oriented Mental Health Assistant to join our Behavioral Science Unit (BSU). In this role, you'll be a key part of our multidisciplinary team, helping create and maintain a therapeutic environment for patients with psychiatric and behavioral health needs. You'll provide direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, ensuring physical and emotional support, safety, and respectful communication at every step. Your work will have a lasting impact on the health and recovery of our patients.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related health field
- Consideration will be given to candidates with relevant experience in lieu of formal education
- Strong observational, communication, and documentation skills
- Ability to maintain composure and adapt in high-stress and emergency situations
- Physically able to perform job duties, including managing agitated patients and handling moderate lifting
- Professional, empathetic, and sensitive to the unique needs of psychiatric patients
- Strong teamwork ethic with the ability to collaborate across disciplines
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire
Nice To Haves
- Prior psychiatric or behavioral health experience strongly preferred
- Training in crisis intervention and behavioral restraint application is a plus
Responsibilities
- Monitoring patient behavior and symptoms, accurately documenting and reporting observations to the care team
- Assisting in the development and implementation of individualized care plans and treatment strategies
- Supporting patients with activities of daily living including hygiene, meals, and medication reminders
- Performing vital signs, weight checks, intake/output measurements, and specimen collection
- Interacting therapeutically with patients to support emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Participating in multidisciplinary meetings, admissions orientation, and patient education
- Escorting patients to appointments or diagnostic tests and transporting labeled specimens to the lab
- Facilitating group or individual therapeutic activities and encouraging participation in unit programming
- Monitoring unit safety through environmental checks, visitor supervision, and patient observation
- Assisting with crisis de-escalation and behavioral management, including restraint application when necessary
- Ensuring documentation is timely, accurate, and reflects patient progress and safety
- Collaborating with physicians and team members to support individualized treatment planning
- Acting as a role model and preceptor for new staff as directed
- Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and staff
- Performing basic housekeeping duties and ensuring cleanliness and order in patient areas
- Adhering to all hospital safety protocols including infection control and emergency procedures
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Industry
Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
Education Level
Associate degree
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
