Mental Health Assistant - BSU Job at Arnot Health System, Elmira, NY

  • Arnot Health System
  • Elmira, NY

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Job Tags

Full time, Shift work, Afternoon shift

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