Behavioral Health Attendant

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
• Maintain:
  • Patient confidentiality
  • Privacy standards
  • Patient rights

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience

• Previous patient care experience or education in a human services field (preferred)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Active participation in patient care and ADLs
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including:
  • Lifting
  • Turning
  • Assisting patient movement (sitting, standing, kneeling positions)

Independent Action & Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including:
  • Nurses
  • Social workers
  • Therapists
  • Physicians

Supervisory Responsibility

• None