Patient Care Associate – Psychiatry - PCAP 26-14933

JOB TITLE: Patient Care Associate (PCA) – Psychiatry

JOB OVERVIEW

Location: New York, NY 10029
Job type: Contract [NO BENEFITS]
Pay rate: $23.00-$25.00 per hour
Shift: Overnight, 7:00 PM – 8:00 AM

JOB SUMMARY
This role supports patients receiving inpatient psychiatric care. The Patient Care Associate works alongside nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care, promote patient safety, support therapeutic activities and assist with daily living needs. The role is ideal for candidates with a background in psychiatric or behavioral health care who also have clinical skills such as venipuncture and EKG performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Admissions, Orientation and Discharge

• Assist with patient admissions, orientation and transitions to the inpatient psychiatric unit.
• Explain unit rules, regulations and safety procedures to patients.
• Assist with discharge planning, transportation arrangements and coordination with family members or other support systems.
• Help patients access clothing, transportation and other practical services.

Daily Living Support

• Support patients with personal hygiene, bathing, feeding, dressing, shaving and other daily living activities.
• Escort patients to diagnostic appointments, treatment programs and authorized recreational activities.

Clinical Support

• Monitor and document vital signs, height, weight and other health-related information.
• Perform venipuncture, blood and urine collection, urine testing, EKGs and simple dressing changes as assigned and within the scope of training.
• Assist with nursing care plans and interdisciplinary treatment planning.
• Initiate CPR when necessary and assist with emergency response protocols.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.

Therapeutic Support and Communication

• Support therapeutic interventions and lead or co-lead recreational and therapeutic patient activities.
• Provide supportive counseling and maintain appropriate communication with patients and families.

Safety and Security

• Conduct patient searches and secure personal belongings in accordance with hospital policies.
• Support nursing staff with approved de-escalation, restraint and seclusion procedures in accordance with hospital policies and training.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Medical Assistant training certificate (mandatory).
• Minimum of two years of psychiatric or behavioral health experience (mandatory per hiring requirements).
• High school diploma or equivalent plus qualifying experience, or an associate degree, preferably in mental health or a related field, subject to employer verification.
• Hands-on venipuncture experience.
• EKG/ECG skills.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
• CPI or PMCS certification, as required by the employer.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to complete required SEL and SCR background checks.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Inpatient psychiatric unit or behavioral health facility experience.
• Experience supporting patients with mental health conditions and behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of patient safety, crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Experience obtaining vital signs and assisting with clinical procedures.
• Strong communication, teamwork, empathy and patient-care skills.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Overnight shift: 7:00 PM – 8:00 AM.
• Candidates must be comfortable working overnight hours and supporting inpatient psychiatric patients.
• The requisition lists 50% remote flexibility, but the position involves direct inpatient care, so the actual onsite schedule must be confirmed with the hiring team.