A Mental Health Assistant provides basic care and assistance with daily activities to patients with mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Helps patients dress and eat, monitors patients' well-being, and restrains patients if they become physically violent. Works in hospitals or mental health care facilities.
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (school year schedule, September through June ), 37.5 hours/week
Location:
Children's Acute Program - 1319 Sassafras Street, Erie
PA 16501
Overview:
As a Classroom Aide at the Barber National Institute, you'll work directly with children in a therapeutic setting within the Acute Partial Hospitalization Program. Your role will be essential in supporting a structured environment that addresses the behavioral and emotional needs of up to 12 children through therapeutic activities and individualized treatment plans. You will assist the classroom lead in implementing lesson plans, managing behaviors, providing support during arrival and dismissal, and maintaining a safe and welcoming classroom environment. You will also collaborate with therapists, behavioral specialists, and the treatment team to ensure effective care and intervention strategies.
What You'll Bring:
A strong desire to support children with behavioral health needs in a structured, therapeutic setting. Patience, empathy, and professionalism in handling behaviorally challenging situations. Excellent teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with clinical and educational staff. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to help maintain classroom structure and complete documentation.
What You'll Have:
A minimum of one year of experience in the mental health field working with children. Proven experience using behavioral interventions and de-escalation techniques. • Must be 18 years of age or older. Ability to complete all required background clearances: State Police Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Clearance. Willingness to complete mandatory training programs and follow established safety and behavioral protocols.
A Typical Day May Include:
Supporting therapeutic group activities alongside the classroom lead for up to 12 children. Assisting in the implementation of daily lesson plans and individualized treatment plans. Utilizing de-escalation and therapeutic intervention techniques during behavioral events. Assisting with arrival and dismissal routines and transitions throughout the day. Tracking and documenting behaviors, writing progress notes, and contributing to treatment planning. Maintaining a welcoming, organized, and therapeutic classroom space—including decorating bulletin boards and ensuring a clutter-free environment. Attending meetings such as weekly supervisions, treatment team reviews, and staff planning sessions. Collaborating with the clinical team to provide consistent, compassionate, and structured care Perks with a Purpose Our benefits are created with YOU in mind. Healthcare Highmark Medical and Mental Health Delta Dental and Davis Vision Coverage Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts Teladoc Virtual Health Financial Well-being 401K Retirement Plan with Employer Match On-Demand Pay Employee Referral Bonus Program Student Loan Forgiveness College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts Employee Discounts Life & Family Support Company Paid Life Insurance Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program Erie Campus•- discounted on-site weekday childcare Employee discounts for select BNI events and services Generous Paid Time Off Who is Barber National Institute? The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE Any consideration of the background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee's specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.
