Patient Care Associate – Psychiatric

Location: New York, NY
Duration: 9 Weeks
Shift: Night Shift, Monday–Friday, 11:00 PM–7:15 AM

Job Summary

The Psychiatric Patient Care Associate is an integral member of the multidisciplinary inpatient psychiatry team. This position provides direct patient care, therapeutic support, safety monitoring, and assistance with clinical and daily living needs.

The Patient Care Associate supports patients throughout admission, treatment, and discharge while maintaining a safe, therapeutic, respectful, and patient-centered environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive services to inpatient psychiatric patients.
• Assist with patient admission and orientation, including:
  • Changing into appropriate clothing
  • Patient searches
  • Securing valuables
  • Reviewing unit rules and regulations
  • Orienting patients to rooms and the unit
• Assist nursing staff with the preparation, implementation, and updating of Nursing Care Plans and Interdisciplinary Treatment Plans.
• Plan and assist with therapeutic interventions according to established patient treatment plans.
• Obtain and accurately document patient vital signs and health information.
• Measure height, weight, and other health-related information.
• Perform simple dressing changes.
• Collect sputum, blood, and urine specimens.
• Perform urine testing.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including:
  • Bathing
  • Feeding
  • Shaving
  • Dressing
  • Personal hygiene
• Perform EKGs.
• Provide or assist with venipuncture and other approved clinical procedures within the scope of training and departmental policies.
• Assist patients with practical needs such as transportation arrangements, obtaining appropriate clothing, check cashing, and other identified services.
• Lead or co-lead recreational, therapeutic, and other patient activity groups.
• Assist with discharge planning and implementation, including transportation arrangements and communication with families, caregivers, and other involved parties.
• Escort patients to locations on and off campus, including diagnostic testing, radiology, treatment programs, residential programs, and approved recreational activities.
• Assist with the safe management of patients exhibiting aggressive or violent behavior, including physical restraint procedures in accordance with established policies and training.
• Assist with monitoring and caring for patients in seclusion or restraint according to applicable policies and procedures.
• Initiate CPR when necessary and assist nursing staff with emergency procedures.
• Follow all infection prevention and control practices.
• Maintain an assigned patient caseload and provide supportive counseling and assistance within the scope of the position.
• Observe, document, and communicate changes in patient behavior, condition, and safety status to appropriate healthcare team members.
• Maintain patient dignity, privacy, confidentiality, and safety at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of inpatient psychiatric services.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent plus at least 2 years of full-time relevant experience in:
  • Law enforcement
  • Nursing
  • Psychiatric/behavioral health
  • Mental health services
  • Counseling
  • Group/family dynamics
• OR
• Associate degree, preferably in:
  • Mental Health
  • Behavioral Health
  • Nursing
  • Related field

Additional Requirements

• Experience with venipuncture.
• Experience and proficiency performing EKGs.
• Ability to obtain and accurately document vital signs and other patient health information.
• Experience working with patients experiencing behavioral or psychiatric conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong teamwork and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during crisis situations.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ability to follow healthcare policies, procedures, and safety requirements.

Required Certifications & Training

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.
• Certificate of Medical Assistant training or completion of a Patient Care Assistant training program that includes EKG and venipuncture skills, or equivalent training.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) or PMCS certification.
• Successful completion of required SEL and SCR background checks.