Behavioral Health Associate - Part Time (24 Hours) - 03.00pm - 11:30pm (Evening)

Behavioral Health Associate

The Behavioral Health Associate plays an integral role on the interdisciplinary treatment team. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and treatment team, the Behavioral Health Associate carries out assigned patient care activities in accordance with hospital policies, procedures, and standards. This role provides 1:1 support to patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, and escalating emotional distress. Behavioral Health Associates provide compassionate, individualized care, adapting their interactions based on each patient's clinical presentation and therapeutic needs.

When you join the Haverhill Pavilion team, you're not just taking a job, you're making a positive impact in patients' lives.

The Role

As a Behavioral Health Associate, you are an integral part of the treatment team provided for patients upon admission to our facility. Each unit utilizes a team nursing approach to take care of our patients. Nurses work in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Associates in order to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.

You will play a crucial role in enabling a safe and therapeutic environment for patients by providing a positive, supportive, and structured environment.

Behavioral Health Associate Essential Duties

• Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals. As a stabilization facility, patient safety is our top priority. 15 minute safety checks ensure that our patients are safe and appropriately cared for.
• Engage with patients to assess mental status, progress towards treatment goals, and emotional needs throughout the shift.
• Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors, and communicate significant observations to nursing staff.
• Encourage patient participation in therapeutic activities and individualized behavior strategies.
• Assist in crisis situations through verbal de-escalation techniques and physical interventions following CPI standards and hospital policies.
• Provide consistent 1:1 support for assigned patients, maintaining therapeutic engagement throughout the shift.
• Float to different units within the hospital based on staffing needs.
• Utilize patient-specific coping skills and sensory strategies as outlined in treatment or safety plans.
• Educate colleagues on patient-specific triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies.
• Identify and communicate barriers to discharge planning.
• Support patient orientation during admissions by assisting with searches, vital signs, and reviewing unit guidelines.
• Reinforce unit rules and serve as a positive role model for patients.
• Provide peer mentorship and help orient new Behavioral Health Associates under the guidance of nursing leadership.
• Protect and advocate for patient rights.
• Attend and actively participate in department meetings; review minutes when unable to attend.
• Complete annual mandatory training and proactively identify personal educational needs.
• Accept and apply feedback to continuously improve clinical and professional skills.

The Expertise and Skills You Bring

Education : High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience : Ideal candidates are passionate about Haverhill Pavilion's mission, behavioral health, and are driven by the purpose to be of assistance to our patients. Experience in human services, social work, behavioral health, or in a hospital setting is preferred but not necessary. We invest in the career growth of our employees and offer paid training and the opportunity to gain experience in a behavioral health setting. We offer a range of opportunities for learning so you are able to build the career you've always imagined.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Haverhill Pavilion believes in, and is committed to, fair and equitable treatment for every employee and patient. We are invested in creating a safe and respectful environment, in which everyone is dignity and respect. "Every day, we celebrate our diversity. Through compassionate language and kind actions we foster communication where everyone feels included, acknowledged, and respected." - Mission Statement of Haverhill Pavilion's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

At Haverhill Pavilion, we are dedicated to creating an enduring culture of inclusion and belonging that will attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Essential Functions

Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and provide excellent customer services.

Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment.

Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines as needed.

Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient's medical record.

Assist in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff.