Behavioral Health Attendant- Emergency Department

Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA)

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 work collaboratively with clinical staff to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment while maintaining patient dignity and upholding Brown University Health's values.

All employees are expected to model the organization's core values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

In addition, employees must demonstrate the core success factors that guide teamwork and performance:

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive patient handoff/report prior to beginning observation duties
• Conduct continuous or intermittent patient observation as assigned
• Promptly report changes in patient condition to nursing or clinical staff
• Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activity per established protocols
• Maintain constant attention on assigned patient(s), minimizing distractions
• Assist with activities of daily living, including:
• Hygiene
• Meals
• Mobility (as directed by nursing staff)
• Engage patients in a compassionate, respectful manner, including:
• Therapeutic interaction
• Recreational activities aligned with training
• Utilize approved verbal de-escalation techniques to maintain safety
• Maintain required certifications:
• De-escalation and restraint training (initial and annual recertification)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Safe patient handling training
• Participate in staff development, supervision, and team meetings
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment
• Ensure compliance with:
• Patient rights
• Patient privacy and confidentiality standards
• Hospital safety policies and procedures
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Experience: Prior patient care experience or education in a human services field (preferred)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Active participation in patient care activities
• Ability to assist with activities of daily living and patient management
• Physical capability to safely support patients as trained

Additional Information:

• Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams including nurses, social workers, therapists, and physicians to support treatment goals
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Pay Range: $21.09-$22.04

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: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type: 1900-0730; every other weekend/holiday

Work Shift: Night

Driving Required: No

Union: International Brotherhood Teamsters

Brown University Health