Mental Health Assistant - BSU

Arnot Health System

  • Elmira, NY
  • 3 days ago
  • Full-time

Highlights

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. 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.

Numbers & Facts

LocationElmira, NY
Job TypeFull-time

Description

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.Your ScheduleFull-time position located in the Behavioral Science Unit.Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support 24/7 patient care operations. Flexibility is required.What You'll Be DoingMonitoring patient behavior and symptoms, accurately documenting and reporting observations to the care teamAssisting in the development and implementation of individualized care plans and treatment strategiesSupporting patients with activities of daily living including hygiene, meals, and medication remindersPerforming vital signs, weight checks, intake/output measurements, and specimen collectionInteracting therapeutically with patients to support emotional regulation and coping strategiesParticipating in multidisciplinary meetings, admissions orientation, and patient educationEscorting patients to appointments or diagnostic tests and transporting labeled specimens to the labFacilitating group or individual therapeutic activities and encouraging participation in unit programmingMonitoring unit safety through environmental checks, visitor supervision, and patient observationAssisting with crisis de-escalation and behavioral management, including restraint application when necessaryEnsuring documentation is timely, accurate, and reflects patient progress and safetyCollaborating with physicians and team members to support individualized treatment planningActing as a role model and preceptor for new staff as directedMaintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and staffPerforming basic housekeeping duties and ensuring cleanliness and order in patient areasAdhering to all hospital safety protocols including infection control and emergency proceduresWhat We're Looking ForAssociate's degree in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related health fieldConsideration will be given to candidates with relevant experience in lieu of formal educationPrior psychiatric or behavioral health experience strongly preferredTraining in crisis intervention and behavioral restraint application is a plusBasic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hireStrong observational, communication, and documentation skillsAbility to maintain composure and adapt in high-stress and emergency situationsPhysically able to perform job duties, including managing agitated patients and handling moderate liftingProfessional, empathetic, and sensitive to the unique needs of psychiatric patientsStrong teamwork ethic with the ability to collaborate across disciplinesIf you're passionate about mental health care and want to make a difference in a collaborative and supportive environment, we'd love for you to join our team. Apply today to take the next step in your healthcare career.

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