Mental Health Associate

Responsibilities

Oak Plains Academy (a UHS company) is looking for people who want to make a difference in the lives of youth as a Mental Health Associate. The Mental Health Associate is a front-line position with responsibility for direct patient care of our adolescent residents. The Mental Health Associate ensures the safety and well-being of the residents while supporting the therapeutic milieu.

The Mental Health Associate participates in the development and implementation of patients’ behavioral programs by providing care and documenting behaviors; developing positive relationships across the facility; following facility policies; and providing crisis intervention as necessary.

The ideal candidate will be patient, accepting, and compassionate and have a true desire to help children. The candidate is someone who can adhere to strict guidelines for our policies regarding supervision of the youth in our care. There will be times when overtime is required, and we are seeking someone who can adapt to flexible schedules and is passionate about helping youth with mental health and behavioral problems.

Oak Plains Academy is a comprehensive and highly structured 98-bed residential treatment program offering psychiatric residential treatment services to children and adolescents, struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Residents receive an individualized treatment plan, geared to meet their personal needs. A professional team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, nurses, and teachers serve hundreds of children and adolescents annually with the common goal of treating and healing trauma and building resiliency in the residents we serve.

Located on 20 acres of rolling hills in a rural setting, about 45 minutes from Nashville, Tennessee, Oak Plains Academy campus features a full-size gymnasium, dining hall, separate academic building, and four dormitories. provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor recreational activities.

Full-time and part-time positions available.

Starting wage of $15.50 per hour up to $23 per hour based on years of experience in behavioral health field, higher education, and military experience. Shift Differential $4 per hour on weekends, $2 – $3 per hour during the week. Frequent opportunity for overtime. Shifts Available (8 hours shifts for full-time and part-time schedules). Evening Shift 3 PM – 11 PM.

Night Shift 11 PM – 7 AM.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K match, Prescription Drug Plans, Stock Purchase
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• Free meals

• Follows program schedule/milieu with minimal supervision.
• Follows program rules and guidelines and ensures resident's compliance with same.
• Promotes the development and safety of the residents.
• Remain alert at all times, by using forethought to anticipate potentially unsafe situations.
• Completes timely and accurate documentation of resident's behavior.
• Attends and completes all scheduled in-services and trainings as required.
• Alerts supervisors to risk management and quality concerns.

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education or related field or a technical degree in areas of allied health. (Preferred)
• Minimum:
  High School Diploma or equivalent plus at least one year experience in mental health with demonstrable competence in required knowledge and responsibilities.
• Valid driver's license in good standing.
• Satisfactory health, strength and stamina to meet the physical, mental and emotional demands and stressors. The position requires: walking, running, standing, lifting, irregular working hours, and assisting with the restraints. This position requires use of "Handle with Care".
• 21 years of age.
• Flexible schedule.

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.