Direct Care Worker - Acute/Inpatient program

Geisinger; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospital near Pittsburgh is seeking Behavioral Health Associates to provide essential care for children and adolescents with severe mental health challenges. This role involves direct patient interaction, supervision, and collaborative support to ensure safety and a positive environment. Candidates should have a high school diploma and ideally experience in mental health settings, along with necessary certifications.

Qualifications

• Six months or more experience with specific patient population preferred.
• Must obtain CPR certification and de-escalation and restraint certification.

Responsibilities

• Ensure patient safety and well-being through supervision and interaction.
• Assist patients with daily living activities and document progress.
• Conduct educational and therapeutic group activities.

Skills

Empathetic attitude

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The inpatient program at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital offers individualized care for children and adolescents ages 4-18 whose lives have been disrupted by severe mental health challenges. Our inpatient facility near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, helps families start to heal so they can return to their daily lives.

Our Behavioral Health Associates (Direct Care Workers) are responsible for providing personal care services to patients at the facility under the direction of clinical or nursing leadership. They should demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude towards patients at all times. When patient needs are not met, they should acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognizing that patient safety is a top priority is essential.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to patient safety and provide excellent customer service.
• Ensure the well-being of patients and create a positive, supportive, and structured environment.
• Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision at 15-minute intervals or as per individualized guidelines.
• Document clinical information accurately and timely in patients' medical records.
• Assist in providing a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for patients, families, and staff.

• Interact regularly with patients, observe behaviors, and communicate significant observations to nursing staff.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, hydration, and changing bed linens.
• Obtain vital signs, height, and weight as assigned and document accordingly.
• Facilitate patient educational and rehabilitative groups on topics like social skills, coping skills, anger management, and independent living skills.
• Engage patients in activities aimed at achieving treatment goals.

• Complete and maintain required documentation; assist with follow-up and incident reports.
• Provide or coordinate transportation for patients as needed.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude towards patients and staff. Address and resolve patient complaints and prioritize patient safety.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Six months or more experience working with the specific patient population preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

· CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training provided upon hire).

· First aid certification may be required based on state or facility requirements.

Note: This job description reflects current requirements. Management may update duties as needed due to circumstances.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of characteristics protected by law.

SWOOD