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NPT Newport Hospital
Behavioral Health Attendant
Career Insights for Mental Health Assistant
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Based on Rhode Island data
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What they do
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.
$45,840 / year median in Rhode Island
+8% projected growth
Job Description
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