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

Similar Jobs

Optum

Performance Analyst Job at Optum

Improve the lives of others while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.Job Description - Performance Analyst (2382285)Performance Analyst - 2382285Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives.... 

Insight Global

Clinical Informaticist Job at Insight Global

 ...Required Skills & Experience 3+ years of experience in Clinical Informatics, Healthcare Analytics, Population Health Analytics, Health Informatics, or a related field\n\t Advanced Base SAS programming experience with the ability to independently develop and analyze... 

Trophy Nissan

Volkswagen Service Technician Job at Trophy Nissan

 ...Camelback Volkswagen Service TechnicianAt Camelback Volkswagen, we are committed to conducting our business with integrity, hard work, and a deep respect for our people, customers, and business partners. Every employee at Camelback Subaru Volkswagen plays a crucial role... 

Samuelson Furniture

Custom Cabinet Maker Job at Samuelson Furniture

 ...Cabinet MakerWe are looking for a highly skilled, detail-driven Custom Cabinet Maker to join our team. This role is responsible for crafting custom cabinetry that meets precise client specifications and reflects exceptional craftsmanship. The ideal candidate brings strong... 

CompHealth

Travel Physical Therapist (PT) - $2,087 to $2,500 per week in Calhoun, GA Job at CompHealth

 ...deliver on the details that matter to you. ~ M - F, no weekends -- 40 hours per week guaranteed ~12 patients per day; up to 14 - 16 ppd with overlap ~ Outpatient hospital setting ~ General orthopedic and chronic pain -- some neuro and balance dx ~ Outpatient...