What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Assistant - BSU position at Arnot Health?
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.