Behavioral Health Attendant- Emergency Department

Behavioral Health Attendant (BHA) – Job Description 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 work collaboratively with clinical staff to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment while maintaining patient dignity and upholding Brown University Health’s values.

All employees are expected to model the organization’s core values:
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence.

In addition, employees must demonstrate the core success factors that guide teamwork and performance:
Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, Collaborate.

• Receive patient handoff/report prior to beginning observation duties.
• Conduct continuous or intermittent patient observation as assigned.
• Promptly report changes in patient condition to nursing or clinical staff.
• Monitor and document patient behavior, mood, and activity per established protocols.
• Maintain constant attention on assigned patient(s), minimizing distractions.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including hygiene, meals, and mobility (as directed by nursing staff).
• Engage patients in a compassionate, respectful manner, including therapeutic interaction and recreational activities aligned with training.
• Utilize approved verbal de‑escalation techniques to maintain safety.
• Maintain required certifications:
  De‑escalation and restraint training (initial and annual recertification), Basic Life Support (BLS), Safe patient handling training.
• Participate in staff development, supervision, and team meetings.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard‑free environment.
• Ensure compliance with patient rights, patient privacy and confidentiality standards, and hospital safety policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Experience:
  
  Prior patient care experience or education in a human services field (preferred).
• Work Environment &
  
  Physical Requirements:
  
  Active participation in patient care activities; ability to assist with activities of daily living and patient management; physical capability to safely support patients as trained.

• Independent Action:
  Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams including nurses, social workers, therapists, and physicians to support treatment goals.
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  
  None.
• Pay Range: $21.09 – $22.04 per hour.

Rhode Island Hospital – 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.Work Type: 1900‑0730; every other weekend/holiday.

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.