Behavioral Care Assist-Behavioral Health

The EmPATH unit is a behavioral health unit designed to treat patients who have traditionally been cared for in the emergency department (ED). This unit, opening in 2026, will accept patients from both the adult and children's hospital. Candidates hired into our EmPATH positions will begin their employment in Fall 2025 and Winter 2026.

Job Summary : The Behavioral Care Assistant (BCA)-Behavioral Health provides basic direct and indirect, age-specific and developmentally appropriate patient care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Assists patients with hygiene and dressing needs; changes linens; positions and transfers patients, e.g., in and out of chair, commode, toileting; ensures privacy and modesty of patients. Performs designated procedures, e.g., ambulation, vital signs, intake and output. Provides for patient safety recognizes and reports behavioral changes, accurately completes safety rounds as assigned, performs routine checks for environmental safety. Follows guidelines for patients on one-to-one precautions. Assists with patient admission, transfer, and discharge procedures, orients patients to the environment. Prepares patients for meals and snacks; assists with feeding patients as needed. Performs duties within scope of practice and in accordance with policies, procedures, and techniques; seeks information and clarification when necessary. If in a recovery program, at least two years of sobriety is required for staff and at least five years for Management. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience : Successful completion of an approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program or completion of School of Nursing Fundamentals preferred. Six months nursing assistant experience in a hospital, emergency room and / or acute psychiatric setting preferred. Completion of a Managing Assaultive Behavior (MAB) course required within ninety days.

Knowledge and Skills : Demonstrates competencies in fundamentals of patient care and knowledge of scope of practice for unlicensed healthcare team members. Exhibits strong customer service skills. Able to read, write legibly and speak in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g., Word, Outlook, organization electronic medical record; perform basic non- licensed patient care activities; comprehend and follow-through with instructions; relate and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; collaborate; accept direction; think critically and use good judgment; work independently with minimal supervision; perform basic math functions; compose written material; manage multiple assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; problem solve; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place and patient care; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position; discern temperature variances through touch.

Licensures and Certifications : Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association required.

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