Mental Health Associate

UHS•Ashland City, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Oak Plains Academy is looking for people who want to make a difference in the lives of youth as a Mental Health Associate. The Mental Health Associate is a front-line position with responsibility for direct patient care of our adolescent residents. The Mental Health Associate ensures the safety and well-being of the residents while supporting the therapeutic milieu. The Mental Health Aassociate participates in the development and implementation of patients’ behavioral programs by providing care and documenting behaviors; developing positive relationships across the facility; following facility policies; and providing crisis intervention as necessary. The ideal candidate will be patient, accepting, and compassionate and have a true desire to help children. The candidate is someone who can adhere to strict guidelines for our policies regarding supervision of the youth in our care. There will be times when overtime is required, and we are seeking someone who can adapt to flexible schedules and is passionate about helping youth with mental health and behavioral problems. Oak Plains Academy is a comprehensive and highly structured 98-bed residential treatment program offering psychiatric residential treatment services to children and adolescents, struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Residents receive an individualized treatment plan, geared to meet their personal needs. A professional team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, nurses, and teachers serve hundreds of children and adolescents annually with the common goal of treating and healing trauma and building resiliency in the residents we serve. Located on 20 acres of rolling hills in a rural setting, about 45 minutes from Nashville, Tennessee, Oak Plains Academy campus features a full-size gymnasium, dining hall, separate academic building, and four dormitories. Our wooded campus provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor recreational activities. About Universal Health Services One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com. From Fortune, ©2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education or related field or a technical degree in areas of allied health.(Preferred)
Minimum:High School Diploma or equivalent plus at least one year experience in mental health with demonstrable competence in required knowledge and responsibilities.
Valid driver's license in good standing from Tennessee. If you do not have a Tennessee DL you will have 30 days to acquire one from the hire start date. (Military affiliated candidates are exempt from this requirement).
Satisfactory health, strength and stamina to meet the physical, mental and emotional demands and stressors. The position requires: walking, running, standing, lifting, irregular working hours, and assisting with the protective restraints. This position requires use of "Handle with Care"
21 years of age
Flexible schedule
Must attend the two-week orientation classes, Monday through Friday.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree with one year of health care experience (preferred)

Responsibilities

Follows program schedule/milieu with minimal supervision.
Follows program rules and guidelines and ensures resident's compliance with same.
Promotes the development and safety of the residents.
Remain alert at all times, by using forethought to anticipate potentially unsafe situations.
Completes timely and accurate documentation of resident's behavior.
Attends and completes all scheduled in-services and trainings as required.
Alerts supervisors to risk management and quality concerns.