Mental Health Assistant - Behavioral Science Unit (BSU)
Brief 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.
Summary
About Us:
Arnot Health offers patient-centered, comprehensive health services to the Southern Tier of New York. Campuses include Arnot Ogden Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital in Elmira; Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath, NY; and over 40 medical offices in the Southern Tier. Arnot Health is currently affiliated with more than 300 physicians from 50+ specialties.
Arnot Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community-based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team—over 6500 employees strong. At Arnot Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion, and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch.
We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities.
Learn more at www.arnothealth.org.
Hospitals and Health Care
Other
Full-time