Behavioral Health Associate - Emergency Department

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Associate provides behavioral health care that is safe, cost-effective, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with established health care quality standards. Under the direct supervision of a nurse, the Behavioral Health Associate participates in patient observation, planning, implementation, and evaluation as part of the interdisciplinary care team.

Behavioral Health Associates provide population-appropriate care within their assigned unit or clinical setting and support therapeutic partnerships with patients and families. Responsibilities include assisting with behavioral health interventions, goal-directed care planning, patient education, and accurate documentation in the electronic health record.

The Behavioral Health Associate may also serve in the role of Observer as assigned. The Observer is responsible for monitoring one or more assigned patients for a specified time period and alerting the assigned nurse or supervisor if a patient exhibits behaviors indicating risk of harm to self or others. Additional patient care tasks may be delegated within the associate's scope of practice while under nursing supervision.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the assigned patient population.

Ensures patient safety and implements interventions as needed.

Utilizes developmentally appropriate de-escalation techniques to ensure safety during at-risk behaviors, including self-harm or harm to others.

Acts as an observer responsible for monitoring assigned patients according to the plan of care and provider orders, communicating effectively with the care team and receiving handoff from the assigned nurse.

Monitors, documents, and intervenes as appropriate in situations involving potential harm, escalating concerns to the primary nurse.

Maintains a safe environment by identifying and removing potentially harmful objects from patient belongings and surroundings.

Facilitates group and individual therapeutic activities.

Completes vital signs as ordered.

Engages patients in appropriate activities to reduce escalation, such as structured interactions, games, or ambulation.

Documents accurate and timely observations using required monitoring tools and the electronic health record.

Provides support to assigned clinical areas during times of low patient volume, serving as a vital ancillary team member.

Serves as a resource for de-escalation and patient monitoring techniques and may assist with training other team members.

Provides informal supportive interactions with patients and families.

Participates in behavior modification plans and therapeutic interventions.

Monitors therapeutic activities to ensure emotional and safety needs are met.

Assists patients with routine activities of daily living.

Reinforces teaching provided by licensed clinicians.

Provides indirect care including cleaning work areas, changing linens, restocking supplies, transporting patients, assisting with new employee orientation, and performing routine clerical tasks.

Minimum Requirements

Associate Degree or higher is required but can be replaced with 2 years in an inpatient hospital or outpatient psychiatric setting with a high school diploma.

BLS Certification is required.

Active NAI Certification required.

1 year or more experience in behavioral health preferred.

Pay Range

$18.00 - $23.78

Other Information

Full-time

Night Shift

Weekend and Holiday rotation required

ECU Health

About ECU Health Medical Center

ECU Health Medical Center, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the 974-bed flagship hospital for ECU Health and serves as the primary teaching hospital for The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. ECU Health Medical Center has achieved Magnet® designation twice and provides acute and intermediate care, rehabilitation and outpatient health services to a 29-county region that is home to more than 1.4 million people.

General Statement

It is the goal of ECU Health and its entities to employ the most qualified individual who best matches the requirements for the vacant position.

Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, which may include an occupational health screening, criminal record check, education, reference, and licensure verification.

We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicant’s qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.