Behavioral Health Associate

Position: Behavioral Health Associate

Duration: 3+ months contract (Possible extension)

Location: Bronx , NY

Shift Timings: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Shift Timings: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Shift Timings: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Job Description:

• Immediately reports extreme and dangerous changes in client’s condition and/or behavior to medical personnel; immediately reports hazardous conditions which can endanger the well- being of clients, visitors, and hospital staff to the appropriate personnel.
• Safely escorts patient’s to and from internal and external destinations as appropriate and required; assists clinical personnel in transferring patient’s to and from assigned departments as required.
• Advises and addresses the treatment team of issues or situations that require follow-up care and/or immediate or additional attention, informing the ADN, Head Nurse of such situations.
• Assist patient with ADLs (i.e shaving) as needed and when directed by clinical staff.
• Performs CPR as needed.
• Identifies patient characteristics and environmental variables that may trigger agitated behaviors, violence, and communicates this information to the treatment team.
• Demonstrates competency in dealing with potentially violent patients. Effectively utilizes crisis intervention/de-escalation practices and non-physical behavioral management techniques, when necessary and appropriate, with patients whose behavior cannot be otherwise supported without such interventions.
• Demonstrates competency and assists in the application and removal of restraints and the implementation of seclusion when deemed necessary by appropriate personnel; demonstrates awareness of the possibility of physical and/or emotional injury to the patient during the application and utilization of restraints and/or the implementation of seclusion and ensures the physical and emotional health and safety of the patient when using such methods.
• Adheres to all relevant corporate, hospital, and regulatory policies and procedures regarding patient safety. Performs patient checks and rounds as required or when the treatment team designates the need for more frequent rounding due to unit activity.
• Creates an empathetic and welcoming environment, routinely providing encouragement and support, acts as a liaison among the client, family, and medical personnel.
• First responder to Code Grey calls; ensures appropriate care of the patient and assists staff in de-escalation techniques.
• Detects and reports presence of unauthorized personnel, contraband, and/or activities; responds appropriately to incidents according to departmental procedures.
• Monitors patients, family, visitor, and staff traffic flow.
• Reports other offensive conduct. Inspects and categorizes patient’s belongings at time of admission and assures that property is safely maintained and returned to patient at the time of transfer or discharge.
• Immediately reports individuals who appear to be disoriented, confused, or unaware of their surroundings to ensure their protection; remains with or watches them until appropriate personnel arrive.
• Participate in unit safety and environmental rounds, as assigned.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills. Participates in ongoing education and training designed to encourage non-confrontational patient care methods.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.