Highland Hospital
Behavioral Health Associate
Hiring Timeframe
2-4 Weeks
Experience
Entry Level
Location
On-Site
Benefits
401(K) Matching
Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Job Description
The Behavioral Health Associate works under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse as a core member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. This position is responsible for continuous patient care and observation, assisting with daily living activities, facilitating skill-building groups, recording vital signs and clinical data, and maintaining a safe, structured environment. The Associate also assists in crisis de-escalation and medical emergency responses as needed.
Job Responsibilities & Requirements
Primary Responsibilities
- Patient Care & Supervision: Provides continuous oversight and safety checks according to individualized supervision guidelines; assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, dressing, meals, and linen changes.
- Milieu & Behavior Management: Interacts regularly with patients to model positive behavior; observes behavioral trends and reports key clinical changes to the charge nurse or supervisor; applies crisis de-escalation techniques and assists with seclusion or restraints when necessary.
- Group Facilitation & Treatment Support: Leads patient educational and rehabilitative groups focused on social, coping, and independent living skills; engages patients in activities designed to support individualized treatment goals.
- Clinical Monitoring & Documentation: Measures and records vital signs, promptly notifying nursing staff of significant changes; completes timely, accurate charting in patient electronic health records; initiates incident reports as required.
- Unit Operations & Safety: Manages patient belongings and conducts contraband checks upon admission; assists with admissions, discharges, charting, and unit organization; participates in detailed shift handoff reports.
- Transportation & Administrative Support: Coordinates or provides patient transportation as directed.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED required; 6 or more months of experience working in behavioral health or with the facility's target population preferred.
- Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with common psychiatric disorders, dual diagnoses, and therapeutic modalities preferred.
- Core Competencies:
- Strong observational, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm, direct, and supportive during crisis or behavioral escalation.
- Proficiency in basic clinical data collection, vital sign measurement, and patient recordkeeping.
- Certifications: CPR, First Aid, and crisis de-escalation/restraint certifications required (facility-provided training available upon hire).
