Inpatient MHA (Various Shifts)

Apalachee Center, Inc. is dedicated to helping individuals and families throughout North Florida recover from emotional, psychiatric, and substance use challenges. We provide comprehensive behavioral health services across eight counties: Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla.

Benefits

Apalachee Center, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Basic life insurance

• Long-term disability coverage

• Paid time off

• Additional employee benefits

Job Summary

TheMental 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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Patient Care & Unit Support
Follows established MHA guidelines and procedures for the assigned unit while supporting a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

• Suspected missing persons or elopements

Maintains appropriate communication with nursing, supervisory, and other professional staff to support continuity of care and patient safety.

Join Apalachee Center, Inc. and become part of a team committed to providing compassionate, quality behavioral health care to individuals and families throughout North Florida.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• A minimum ofone (1) year of related work experience in a patient care or behavioral health setting is preferred.

Licensure & Certification Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain currentCPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certifications.

• Must possess and maintain acurrent, valid driver’s license.

• Must meet and maintain the requirements forApalachee Center Designated Auto Driver status.