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Mental Health Assistant - Behavioral Science Unit…
- Arnot Health (Elmira, NY)
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Job Description
We’re seeking a compassionate, team-oriented Mental Health Assistant to join our Behavioral Science Unit (BSU). In this role, you’ll be a key part of our multidisciplinary team, helping create and maintain a therapeutic environment for patients with psychiatric and behavioral health needs. You’ll provide direct and indirect patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, ensuring physical and emotional support, safety, and respectful communication at every step. Your work will have a lasting impact on the health and recovery of our patients.
Your Schedule
+ Full-time position located in the Behavioral Science Unit.
+ Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support 24/7 patient care operations. Flexibility is required.
What You’ll Be Doing
+ Monitoring patient behavior and symptoms, accurately documenting and reporting observations to the care team
+ Assisting in the development and implementation of individualized care plans and treatment strategies
+ Supporting patients with activities of daily living including hygiene, meals, and medication reminders
+ Performing vital signs, weight checks, intake/output measurements, and specimen collection
+ Interacting therapeutically with patients to support emotional regulation and coping strategies
+ Participating in multidisciplinary meetings, admissions orientation, and patient education
+ Escorting patients to appointments or diagnostic tests and transporting labeled specimens to the lab
+ Facilitating group or individual therapeutic activities and encouraging participation in unit programming
+ Monitoring unit safety through environmental checks, visitor supervision, and patient observation
+ Assisting with crisis de-escalation and behavioral management, including restraint application when necessary
+ Ensuring documentation is timely, accurate, and reflects patient progress and safety
+ Collaborating with physicians and team members to support individualized treatment planning
+ Acting as a role model and preceptor for new staff as directed
+ Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and staff
+ Performing basic housekeeping duties and ensuring cleanliness and order in patient areas
+ Adhering to all hospital safety protocols including infection control and emergency procedures
What We’re Looking For
+ Associate’s degree in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related health field
+ Consideration will be given to candidates with relevant experience in lieu of formal education
+ Prior psychiatric or behavioral health experience strongly preferred
+ Training in crisis intervention and behavioral restraint application is a plus
+ Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire
+ Strong observational, communication, and documentation skills
+ Ability to maintain composure and adapt in high-stress and emergency situations
+ Physically able to perform job duties, including managing agitated patients and handling moderate lifting
+ Professional, empathetic, and sensitive to the unique needs of psychiatric patients
+ Strong teamwork ethic with the ability to collaborate across disciplines
If you're passionate about mental health care and want to make a difference in a collaborative and supportive environment, we’d love for you to join our team. Apply today to take the next step in your healthcare career.
Requirements
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Mental Health Assistant - Behavioral Science Unit (BSU)
- Arnot Health (Elmira, NY)