Inpatient MHA (Various Shifts)
APALACHEE CENTER INC
Summary
The Mental Health Assistant (MHA) provides direct patient supervision, support, and assistance in accordance with professional staff direction and established unit procedures. This position assists patients with activities of daily living, supports the implementation of treatment plans, participates in therapeutic and recreational activities, and provides supportive interaction to promote a safe and therapeutic environment.
Job description
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Patient Care & Unit Support: Follows established MHA guidelines and procedures for the assigned unit while supporting a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.
Patient Supervision & Daily Living Assistance: Supervises patients during program activities, meals, courtyard breaks, and other scheduled or unscheduled times as directed. Assists patients with activities of daily living, including eating, laundry, personal hygiene, and ambulation as needed. Accurately tracks patient laundry and ensures belongings are returned appropriately. Assists with meal preparation, serving, and clean-up in coordination with dietary staff. Supervises and documents meal intake as directed by nursing or supervisory staff.
Special Observation & Safety Monitoring: Supervises patients assigned to special observation or precautionary status levels as directed by the supervisor. Monitors other patients in accordance with program procedures and staff instructions to help maintain patient and staff safety.
Admissions, Orientation & Patient Belongings: Orients newly admitted patients to the unit or facility, including rules, responsibilities, schedules, activities, and expectations. Documents orientation activities according to program requirements. Completes and accurately documents inventories of patient belongings upon admission. Monitors compliance with contraband policies and immediately notifies nursing staff of suspected contraband or potentially dangerous items.
Communication & Reporting: Promptly communicates important patient information to nursing staff, including physical or emotional concerns or complaints, changes in patient behavior, functioning, or condition, signs or symptoms of a possible medical or psychiatric emergency, safety concerns, and suspected missing persons or elopements. Maintains appropriate communication with nursing, supervisory, and other professional staff to support continuity of care and patient safety.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- A minimum of one (1) year of related work experience in a patient care or behavioral health setting is preferred
- Must obtain and maintain current CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certifications
- Must possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license
- Must meet and maintain the requirements for Apalachee Center Designated Auto Driver status
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Basic life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Paid time off
Company overview
Apalachee Center Inc is a comprehensive behavioral healthcare provider serving communities in North Florida, with a primary focus on the Tallahassee region. As a leading mental health care organization, it offers a wide range of services including crisis intervention, outpatient counseling, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and community-based support programs. The center operates as a critical resource for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. With a commitment to accessible, quality care, Apalachee Center provides evidence-based treatments and recovery-oriented services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its community. The organization plays a vital role in the local healthcare ecosystem by offering integrated behavioral health services, prevention programs, and crisis stabilization units that serve as alternatives to hospitalization for individuals experiencing acute mental health episodes.