Our Agency

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah (GRHS) is a state-funded multi-service facility operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The hospital provides quality care to mentally ill adults and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities from its 34-county catchment area in Southeast Georgia. GRHS opened in December of 1970 with a design to decentralize mental health services in the state and treat people nearer to their homes and families. The hospital provides evaluation and treatment to clients needing care. The hospital's admitting office is a psychiatric emergency receiving facility open 24 hours a day.

GRHS is seeking candidates for the position of Health Aide – 1st Shift. This position will work 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Job Summary

Adult Mental Health (AMH) Units and Forensic Units:

Provide basic patient care and work with patients/clients to develop daily living skills. Completes required documentation in patient and unit records. Takes vital signs as needed and document accordingly in the Electronic Medical Record. Ensures safety and security of clients. Observes and documents patient data, behavior and activity. Prepares clients for treatments or examinations. May assist with bathing or activities of daily living.

Job Description

• Provides training to individuals in a variety of areas depending upon the individual’s needs.
• Completes required documentation in the individual’s and unit records.
• Observes and maintains an awareness of individuals’ behavior and physical whereabouts to ensure their security and safety.
• Transports/accompanies individuals to appointments and activities in various locations and off campus visits.
• Participates in providing for a safe, secure, clean and attractive environment for individuals, visitors, and staff.
• Provides assistance to other staff when admitting and orienting new individuals to units.
• Conducts activities for recreation and socialization
• Provides clients with help walking, exercising, and moving in and out of bed
• Assist with identifying individuals in medication line
• Assist with lab draws and the collecting of bodily fluid specimens
• Conducts environment rounds
• Participates in interdisciplinary treatment team
• Participates in crisis de-escalation
• Serves on hospital-wide committees
• Group facilitation

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT. 

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:  Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, demonstrate some or all the following skills/experience:

One year experience and/or education providing direct care services to mental health and/or substance abuse and/or developmentally delayed individuals in a hospital, nursing home, or group home setting.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia. 

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.