Behavioral Health Attendant

Position Summary

Under the general direction of a Registered Nurse, the Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA) provides direct, non-clinical support to patients requiring observation who may be experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges.

BHAs collaborate closely with clinical staff to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment while upholding patient dignity and aligning with Brown University Health's core values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

All employees are also expected to demonstrate the organization's core success factors:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaborate effectively

Key Responsibilities

Patient Observation & Support

• Receive report on assigned patient(s) prior to assuming observation responsibilities
• Conduct continuous or intermittent observations as assigned
• Maintain constant attention on patient(s), free from distractions
• Promptly report changes in patient condition to nursing or clinical staff
• Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activities per established protocols

Patient Care Assistance

• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:

• Hygiene

• Meals

• Mobility

• Provide appropriate patient engagement, including:

• Conversation

• Recreational activities in line with training

Safety & De-escalation

• Utilize approved verbal de-escalation techniques to ensure safety
• Maintain a safe, hazard-free care environment
• Adhere to all hospital safety protocols and procedures
• Support clean, organized patient care areas

Training & Compliance

• Obtain and maintain required certifications:

• De-escalation and restraint training (initial + annual re-certification)

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Safe patient handling training

• Participate in staff development, supervision, and meetings as required

• Maintain:

• Patient confidentiality

• Privacy standards

• Patient rights

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience

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

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Active participation in patient care and ADLs
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including:
• Lifting
• Turning
• Assisting patient movement (sitting, standing, kneeling positions)

Independent Action & Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including:
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Therapists
• Physicians

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Pay Range:

$18.04-$28.46

EEO Statement:

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

Location:

Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Work Type:

7p-730a

Work Shift:

Night

Daily Hours:

12 hours

Driving Required:

No