Behavioral Health Attendant

Behavioral Health Attendant

Under the general direction of a Registered Nurse, the Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA) provides direct, non-clinical support to patients requiring observation who may be experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges.

BHAs collaborate closely with clinical staff to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while upholding patient dignity and aligning with Brown University Health's core values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

All employees are also expected to demonstrate the organization's core success factors:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaborate effectively

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Observation & Support
• Receive report on assigned patient(s) prior to assuming observation responsibilities
• Conduct continuous or intermittent observations as assigned
• Maintain constant attention on patient(s), free from distractions
• Promptly report changes in patient condition to nursing or clinical staff
• Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activities per established protocols

• Patient Care Assistance
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
• Hygiene
• Meals
• Mobility
• Provide appropriate patient engagement, including:
• Conversation
• Recreational activities in line with training

• Safety & De-escalation
• Utilize approved verbal de-escalation techniques to ensure safety
• Maintain a safe, hazard-free care environment
• Adhere to all hospital safety protocols and procedures
• Support clean, organized patient care areas

• Training & Compliance
• Obtain and maintain required certifications:
• De-escalation and restraint training (initial + annual re-certification)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Safe patient handling training
• Participate in staff development, supervision, and meetings as required
• Maintain:
• Patient confidentiality
• Privacy standards
• Patient rights

• Additional Duties
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Education
• High school diploma or equivalent (required)

• Experience
• Previous patient care experience or education in a human services field (preferred)

• Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• Active participation in patient care and ADLs
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including:
• Lifting
• Turning
• Assisting patient movement (sitting, standing, kneeling positions)

• Independent Action & Teamwork
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including:
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Therapists
• Physicians

• Supervisory Responsibility
• None

Pay Range: $18.04-$28.46

EEO Statement: Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location: Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Work Type: 7a-730p

Work Shift: Day

Daily Hours: 12 hours

Driving Required: No