Behavioral Health Attendant - ED

Summary

Under the general direction of the Registered Nurse, the Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA) provides direct, non-clinical support to patients requiring continuous or intermittent observation who may be experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges. BHAs collaborate closely with clinical staff to promote a safe, therapeutic environment while upholding patient dignity and Brown University Health’s standards of care.

All Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, which guide everyday actions with patients, families, and colleagues.

Employees are also expected to demonstrate Brown University Health’s Core Success Factors, including:

• Instilling trust and valuing differences
• Patient and community focus
• Collaboration

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Observation and Support

• Receives report on assigned patient(s) prior to assuming responsibility
• Conducts continuous or intermittent patient observation as assigned
• Maintains constant patient focus, free from distractions
• Monitors and documents patient behavior, mood, and activity in accordance with established protocols
• Reports changes in patient condition promptly to nursing or clinical staff

Patient Care and Engagement

• Assists patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, meals, and mobility, based on report and RN direction
• Actively engages with patients in a compassionate, respectful manner
• Provides appropriate interaction and recreational activities as trained to promote therapeutic engagement

Safety and De-escalation

• Uses approved verbal de-escalation techniques to promote patient and staff safety
• Participates in physical aspects of the role, which may include lifting, turning, and assisting with patient movement from seated, standing, or kneeling positions
• Maintains awareness of environmental safety and assists in keeping patient care areas clean, orderly, and free of hazards
• Adheres to all hospital policies related to patient and staff safety practices

Training, Compliance, and Professional Conduct

• Obtains initial and annual recertification in facility-approved de-escalation and restraint training (with no restrictions for Behavioral Health and Emergency Department roles)
• Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Completes training in safe patient handling
• Attends staff development sessions, supervision, and meetings as assigned
• Observes patient rights, maintains confidentiality, and protects patient privacy

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required

Experience

• Previous experience in a patient care role or education in a human services field preferred

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Participates in direct patient care, activities of daily living, and physical management of patients in accordance with training
• Requires the ability to perform physical aspects of patient support safely and appropriately

Independent Action

• Works alongside clinical staff, including nurses, social workers, therapists, and physicians, to support treatment goals

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Pay Range

$20.48-$20.98

Location

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

Work Type

7p-7:30a; every other weekend/holiday

Work Shift

Night

Driving Required

No

Union

International Brotherhood Teamsters

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