Behavioral Health Assoc (MHT) ASCU

Behavioral Health Associate

The Behavioral Health Associate provides behavioral health care for patients that is safe, cost-effective, and exemplary of health care quality standards. Under the direct supervision of a nurse, a Behavioral Health Associate participates in patient observation, planning, implementation, and evaluation as a participant in the delivery of behavioral health services. As a member of a team of health care professionals, Behavioral Health Associates provide care that is population specific for patients in his/her assigned unit or clinical setting(s), and grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships with patients and families. Behavioral Health Associates behave in a manner consistent with the ethical standards of all health care professionals. Behavioral Health Associates participate in the provision of behavioral health interventions, goal-directed care planning, and patient education under the supervision of a nurse. Behavioral Health Associates are required to document in the electronic health record factual, accurate, complete, timely, legal information about the care they provide to each patient. The Behavioral Health Associate also serves in the role of the Observer as assigned. The Observer is responsible for monitoring one or more assigned patients on a designated unit for a specified time period. The Observer alerts the patients assigned nurse and/or supervisor if the patient begins to or does exhibit risk of harm himself/herself or others. The Observer may be delegated patient care tasks within his/her scope of practice in addition to monitoring the patient while under the supervision of the nurse.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population. Participates in the determination of behavioral health care needs based on the collection of data relevant to the health status of patients. Participates in the acquisition of clinical data from measurements, and monitoring, with consideration for the age and diagnosis of the patient, and reports to/consults with the assigned nurse. Participates in decision-making regarding implementation of behavioral health interventions and plan of care through utilization of assessment data. Participates in inter-professional (i.e., multidisciplinary) planning by providing resource data and assisting in the evaluation of patient progress toward goals. As assigned by the nurse, the Behavioral Health Associate may participate in implementation of the behavioral health care plan by prioritizing and performing appropriate interventions and recognizing responses to interventions. Provides behavioral health care that is evidence-based and consistent with department/entity/system policies, protocols, and procedures, and high-quality health care. Assists in the admission, transfer, and discharge process under the direction of the nurse.

Participates in meeting all identified patient and family education needs as assigned by the nurse and documents provision of education in the electronic health record. Documents in the electronic health record factual, accurate, complete, timely, legal information about the care provided to each patient. Continually seeks to improve the quality of services provided and actively participates in unit-based, hospital-wide, and/or ECU Health quality initiatives. Demonstrates careful and responsible financial stewardship through the submission and implementation of cost-saving ideas, avoidance of waste in supply, and effective time management and prioritization. Consistently adheres to universal precautions and consistently performs proper hand hygiene according to Infection Control Policy. Uses department scripts to effectively communicate with other departments, patients, families, coworkers and students in person or over the phone. Participates in life-support activities as required, responding to Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Code Blue emergencies as per unit/department protocol. Consistently adheres to Safety Habits (i.e., Behavior-Based Expectations) in the provision of safe patient care. Demonstrates safe operation of all equipment in compliance with department policy, Infection Control standards, and quality control standards. Assists in conducting supportive groups including community meeting.

Physically and verbally intervenes in potentially volatile situations involving patient safety and calls for assistance as needed to assure patient and team member safety when a patient demonstrates out of control behavior such as throwing furniture, physically hurting self or others, or is a threat to himself or others in the surrounding environment. Observes and documents any patient intent to harm himself or others and notifies nurse in charge immediately. Completes patient rounds monitoring and documents patient's location and behavior. Monitors patients based on provider-ordered precautions (e.g., suicide, aggression, routine) and notifies the charge nurse of any concerns as needed. Provides observation and assistance for confused or wandering patients. Provides a safe environment by checking for and removing harmful objects in patient belongings such as cords, razors, medications or any sharp objects, glass objects or any object that could be harmful. Immediately secures medications or any contraband and notifies charge nurse as soon as possible. Transports patient by appropriate means to or from procedures or testing off the unit (e.g., X-ray) after consulting with nurse. Completes patient vital signs as ordered and upon return to the unit from any procedure. Verbally notifies nurse incharge to obtain coverage before leaving patient unattended when monitoring on 1:1 or constant observation precautions. Assists patient to bed with side rail up (if applicable) and provides appropriate reality re-orientation.

Reads and follows ECU Health policies and procedures and works directly under the supervision of a nurse. Completes vital sign documentation, observation of patient behavior including changes in mental status or safety concerns, documents all interventions completed, records I&O data, and assists with ADLs as needed such ash bathing, elimination, ambulating, positioning, turning and transferring under the supervision of nurse. Demonstrates effective computer skills for electronic charting, occurrence reporting, and other software-based tasks required by ECU Health. Participates in education, patient rounds/conferences, simulation activities, and obtains education contact hours necessary to maintain licensure/certifications (as applicable). Adheres to all departmental, hospital, and system policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality of protected health information at all times. As directed by supervisor, may have additional responsibilities, as appropriate such as (but not limited to) Clinical Coach for students and/or new employees. Functions as an observer as assigned, monitoring the patient for escalating behaviors, maintaining patient confidentiality, immediately alerting the patients nurse, charge nurse, and/or supervisor when the patient exhibits risk of harming self or others. Observation will be maintained according to the patient's plan of care and as ordered by the provider. The Observer will communicate effectively with the patient's care team, receiving report from the patient's nurse/charge nurse prior to assuming assignment and then provide meaningful handoff communication to the patient's nurse/charge nurse or supervisor when relieved of duties (i.e., end of shift, breaks, etc.). Documents accurate and timely observations on monitoring tools/forms/patient record as requested. Provides hazard surveillance and reduces risk within the patient's physical environment (remove potential harmful objects). Engages the patient appropriately in distraction activities as needed. Maintains own knowledge base to perform position responsibilities and seeks professional development opportunities. Provides patient care within scope of practice at the direction of the nurse.

Minimum Requirements High School Diploma, GED or higher. American Heart Association Heartsaver certification or BLS Active NC Nursing Assistant I or Nursing Assistant II certification (if primary employment is ECU Health Medical Center, or ECU Health Beaufort). (Certifications preferred at ECU Health Duplin) Non-violent crisis intervention training (NVCI) or other de-escalation program adopted by ECU Health. (If not current at time of hire, must complete within first 90 days of employment and maintain without lapse during employment). Prefer a minimum of 1 year work experience in a behavioral health inpatient setting or similar. closely related care environment. such as Group Home, Residential Treatment Center and other behavioral health facility.