Demo

Mental Health Assistant - BSU

Arnot Health System
Elmira, NY Full Time
POSTED ON 6/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/26/2031


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 Schedule

  • Full-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 Doing

  • 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


What We're Looking For

  • 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

  • Prior psychiatric or behavioral health experience strongly preferred

  • Training in crisis intervention and behavioral restraint application is a plus

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire

  • 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


If 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.

Salary : $21 - $26

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