Behavioral Health Aid (BHA)

MAIN FUNCTION:

Renders patient care to meet the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of patients. Participates in the development and maintenance of a therapeutic environment in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team. Reports to the ARU Unit Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

** 1. Functions as a member of the clinical staff in providing quality care in the following manner:

a. Monitors the behaviors of patients. Accurately records and reports patient's symptoms, verbalization, participation in activities and general progress.

b. 1. Maintains awareness of the patient's current treatment plan by examination of the Multidisciplinary Treatment Plan.

2. Has understanding of behavioral health-care intervention or programs as they relate to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with behavioral health illnesses and conditions.

3. Has understanding of biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis and intervention as related to behavioral health illnesses and conditions.

c. Attends and participates in Unit Staff Meetings.

d. Assists with ARU Admission's through:

1. Orientation of the patient to the physical lay-out of the unit.

2. An explanation of the rules of the unit and the patient handbook.

3. Teaching the use of the telephone system as appropriate

4. Explanation and witnesses of admission legal forms and consents.

5. Completion, when appropriate, of ARU Progress/Care notes in QuadraMed

** 2. Provides direct patient care under the monitoring of a Licensed/Credentialed Professional by:

a. Interaction with patients in a therapeutically appropriate manner both within the milieu and individually, role modeling health-promoting behaviors.

b. Adapts care to meet the special needs, i.e., physical disabilities and sensory deficits.

** 3. Performs patient care procedures as follows:

a. Assists in special observation, close special observation, and constant observation as well as routine checks as assigned and reports patient's behavior to the professional nursing and clinical staff.

4. Escorts patients to appointments and diagnostic tests as assigned.

5. Assists with patient related indirect tasks and errands as assigned.

6. Participates, with other staff, in supervising visiting hours, observing interactions between patients and visitors, and reporting any unusual behavior (such as an increase in symptoms of pain, anxiety, SI, VI or HI), to the Nurse and Clinical staff on duty.

7. Plans or participates/conducts program activities as assigned by the Unit Director/Health Care Coordinator/Lead Counselor. Facilitates therapeutic activities in a professional manner at all times.

8. Assists in monitoring unit supplies.

9. Performs light housekeeping duties such as maintaining neat and orderly patient areas.

10. Assists patients with activities of daily living as needed, i.e., personal hygiene, care of clothing and personal possessions and diet (menu) selections.

11. Assists in the maintenance of a safe and therapeutic milieu for both patients and staff.

a. Serves as a role model for staff by their behavior within the environment.

b. Maintains milieu cohesiveness by:

1. Enforcement of unit rules.

2. Encouragement of patients to both attend therapeutic program activities and perform voluntary assignments.

3. Requesting visitors to leave at the end of visiting hours.

c. Participates in personal searches and in patients' room and/or belongings, as needed, as well as sweeps, safety checks and roll call.

d. Operates and cares for equipment and reports needs for repair/replacement to the appropriate person(s).

e. Responds professionally to all emergencies-Calls 5000

1. Remains calm in crisis situations.

2. Initiates verbal interventions in an attempt to calm an agitated/emotionally heightened Patient.

3. Assists with the behavioral management of an agitated/emotionally heightened patient under the supervision/monitoring of the professional nursing and/or clinical staff.

4. Reports and records significant incidents to the Nurse/Counselor on duty.

12. Documents accurately using the goal-oriented format, patients physical and psychological symptomatology, mental status content and other gathered information as it relates to the planned treatment and the safety of the patient in the appropriate section of the medical record and a summary on the shift-to-shift report sheet.

13. Reports to appropriate supervising physician, information affecting patient safety and wellness 100% of the time.

14. Participates in the health teaching of patients and their families/significant others and plans with counselors and/or community agencies for follow-up care where indicated.

15. Interprets Addiction Rehabilitation Unit and Hospital policies to patients and families, including disaster policies such as Fire Drills, elopements, and emergencies.

16. Acts as preceptor during new employee orientation as directed by Unit Director/Health Care Coordinator.

17. Actively supports and participates in the Hospital's Performance Improvement endeavors.

18. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

19. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the patient by interacting with them in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the patient's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the patient in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with Arnot Health.

20. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Nurse Aide Certification and Mental Health work experience preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Prior behavioral health inpatient or outpatient experience preferred. Training in patient crisis management application preferred.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must NOT have any physical limitations that interfere with the control of an agitated patient. Standing, sitting, bending, pulling, lifting up to 25 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 40 lbs., and carrying medium weights throughout shift. May perform moderately difficult manipulative skills requiring accurate eye/hand coordination.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.