Mental Health Worker

MedStar Health; New York (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Patient Care Assistant to support patients with daily activities and ensure a safe and therapeutic environment. The role involves direct patient care, documentation, and environmental maintenance. Candidates should have relevant educational background or extensive experience in the field, and CPR certification is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of college in related fields or six years of experience.
• Prior psychiatric patient intervention experience preferred.
• Ability to lift, turn, position, and restrain patients.

Responsibilities

• Encourages patient interactions and supports activities of daily living.
• Assists RNs with treatment procedures and observes patient behavior.
• Maintains sanitary conditions and reports hazards.

Skills

Effective communication

Patient engagement

CPR proficiency

Education

Two years of college in pre-health science or psychology-related courses

Six years of related experience

Job description

Job Description

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and behavioral coping skills, provides clinical interventions, and helps maintain a safe and clean environment.

Job Responsibilities

1. Patient Care:
   • Encourages interactions with patients through conversation and activities, fostering a therapeutic relationship.
   • Assists with patient orientation to the unit and hospital, providing information about treatment programs.
   • Supports patients with personal hygiene and housekeeping activities.
   • Assists during meals and escorts patients to appointments and activities inside and outside the hospital.
   • Supports admissions, discharges, and transfers.
   • Assists the RN with treatment procedures, including restraining patients and taking vital signs.
   • Responds to medical and psychiatric emergencies under RN direction; administers CPR when necessary.
   • Observes and reports patient behavior and safety concerns.
   • Leads group therapy and patient education activities as needed.
2. Reporting and Documentation:
   • Reports patient behavior observations to the RN and team members.
   • Maintains observation flow sheets for patients requiring supervision.
   • Participates in team meetings sharing observations and information.
   • Handles telephone messages related to patient care in the absence of the Unit Receptionist.
   • Reports patient interactions with visitors.
3. Environmental Maintenance:
   • Reports hazards and takes remedial actions, such as cleaning wet areas or removing hazards.
   • Transports supplies and specimens as needed.
   • Distributes linens and maintains sanitary conditions on the unit.
4. Access medication areas as authorized and perform related duties as required.

ADA Essential Functions

Job Qualifications

Minimum of two (2) years of college, preferably in pre-health science or psychology-related courses, or six (6) years of related experience. Prior psychiatric patient intervention experience is preferred. Must demonstrate CPR proficiency during orientation. Ability to lift, turn, position, and restrain patients as needed. Effective communication skills are required.

Additional Salary Details

The listed salary range or hourly rate reflects potential compensation at the time of this advertisement, subject to change based on factors such as location, experience, education, and internal policies.