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.
9/4/2026 SUMMARY Under the general direction of the Registered Nurse, the Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA) provides direct, non-clinical support to patients requiring direct or indirect observations and who may be experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges. BHAs collaborate with clinical staff to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment while upholding patient dignity and adhering to Brown University Health care values.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion , Accountability , Respect , and Excellence as these guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another. Receives report on assigned patient before assuming responsibility of observations. Conduct continuous or intermittent patient observation as assigned. Reports changes in patient condition to nursing or clinical staff promptly. Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activity in accordance with established protocols. Maintain patient focus at all times, free from distractions. Assists patients with daily activities such as hygiene, meals, and mobility, as needed based upon report and direction received by registered nurse. Actively engages with assigned patient(s) throughout shift in a compassionate and respectful manner while providing interaction and recreational activities in accordance with training provided. De-escalate situations using approved verbal intervention techniques to promote patient and staff safety. Obtains initial certification and annual re-certification in system/facility approved de-escalation and restraint course with no restrictions for those working in behavioral health and emergency departments, BLS, and training in safe patient handling per facility guidelines. Must be able to perform physical aspects of the position which may include lifting, turning, and physical care/movement of patients from a sitting, standing, or kneeling position. Attends staff development, supervision, and staff meetings as assigned. Ensure the care area is free of hazards and complies with safety guidelines, and assist with the maintenance of clean and orderly patient care spaces. Observes patient rights, maintains confidentiality of patient information. Maintains patient privacy. Follows hospital policy and procedures regarding patient and staff safety practices. Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
High School graduate or its equivalent required.
EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in direct patient care and/or patient observations, or completion of one (1) year of progressive education in a human services-related field (e.g., psychology, nursing, social work, health sciences) is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Participates in patient care, activities of daily living, and physical management of patients according to training.
INDEPENDENT ACTION
Work alongside clinical staff; including nurses, social workers, therapists, and physicians to achieve treatment goals.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None. Pay Range $21.09-$22.04 Location Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type 7p-7a Work Shift Night Driving Required No Union International Brotherhood Teamsters Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
