What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Assistant - BSU position at Arnot Health System?
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
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Monitoring patient behavior and symptoms, accurately documenting and reporting observations to the care team
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Assisting in the development and implementation of individualized care plans and treatment strategies
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Supporting patients with activities of daily living including hygiene, meals, and medication reminders
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Performing vital signs, weight checks, intake/output measurements, and specimen collection
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Interacting therapeutically with patients to support emotional regulation and coping strategies
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Participating in multidisciplinary meetings, admissions orientation, and patient education
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Escorting patients to appointments or diagnostic tests and transporting labeled specimens to the lab
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Facilitating group or individual therapeutic activities and encouraging participation in unit programming
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Monitoring unit safety through environmental checks, visitor supervision, and patient observation
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Assisting with crisis de-escalation and behavioral management, including restraint application when necessary
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Ensuring documentation is timely, accurate, and reflects patient progress and safety
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Collaborating with physicians and team members to support individualized treatment planning
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Acting as a role model and preceptor for new staff as directed
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Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and staff
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Performing basic housekeeping duties and ensuring cleanliness and order in patient areas
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Adhering to all hospital safety protocols including infection control and emergency procedures
What We're Looking For
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Associate's degree in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related health field
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Consideration will be given to candidates with relevant experience in lieu of formal education
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Prior psychiatric or behavioral health experience strongly preferred
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Training in crisis intervention and behavioral restraint application is a plus
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Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire
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Strong observational, communication, and documentation skills
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Ability to maintain composure and adapt in high-stress and emergency situations
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Physically able to perform job duties, including managing agitated patients and handling moderate lifting
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Professional, empathetic, and sensitive to the unique needs of psychiatric patients
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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