Mental Health Assist I

Position Overview

The Mental Health Assistant I at United Health Services (UHS) supports patient safety, comfort, and daily care within inpatient behavioral health settings. This role provides direct patient care, monitors and documents patient conditions, assists with therapeutic activities and clinical procedures, and responds to behavioral or medical emergencies as needed. Working closely with nurses, physicians, and other members of the care team, the Mental Health Assistant I helps maintain a safe, structured environment while supporting patients' treatment plans and day-to-day needs.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit:

K3 Psychiatric, UHS Binghamton General Hospital

Primary Work Shift:

Night

Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours:

24

Compensation Range:

$19.37 - $28.09 per hour, depending on experience

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provide direct patient care, including assistance with activities of daily living, to support safety, dignity, and therapeutic outcomes in behavioral health settings

• Monitor patients through frequent rounding and observation to anticipate needs, identify behavioral changes, and promote a safe healing environment

• Obtain and document clinical measurements such as vital signs and intake/output in accordance with established clinical protocols

• Support therapeutic milieu activities by planning and assisting with structured and unstructured patient engagement to encourage participation and recovery

• Assist clinical teams during procedures, including ECT treatments, by preparing equipment, transporting patients, and supporting post-procedure care

• Respond to emergency and behavioral crisis situations, including Code Blue events, utilizing CPI principles under clinical supervision

Scope and Impact:

• Contribute directly to patient safety, continuity of care, and unit operations through consistent clinical support and observation

• Exercise judgment within defined procedures when identifying patient risks, escalating concerns, and supporting interventions

• Work collaboratively with nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to support individualized care plans and unit goals

Compliance and Professional:

• Follow all clinical, safety, and documentation standards, including policies related to restraints, seclusion, and patient observation

• Maintain required competencies and complete assigned training, including CPI and safety education, within established timelines

• Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations

• As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks

Additional Expectations:

• Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions

• Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations

• Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs

Position Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• NYSDOH Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification

• Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function

• Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public

Why You’ll Love Working at UHS

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.

A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.

Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.

​Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.

​Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.

​A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.

About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.

At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!

United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.