Patient Care Associate (Part-Time, OTxHU) - CHS

NYC Health + Hospitals; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Health + Hospitals Correctional Health Services seeks a Patient Care Associate for the Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units Program. The role supports nurses by performing venipunctures, HIV testing, ADLs assistance, and rapid HIV counseling, with emphasis on safety and patient comfort.

You will document encounters in EMR, assist with unit admissions, transfers, vital signs, and essential clerical tasks, contributing to high‑quality care for patients in custody.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent approved by a state Department of Education or recognized accrediting organization.
• Completion of training courses including phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG). Acceptable programs include Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Patient Care, or Medical Assistant training.
• Valid and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or obtained via facility orientation.

Responsibilities

• Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete).
• Assist with patient’s personal hygiene – skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.

Skills

Phlebotomy

EKG/ECG

BLS Certification

Patient care

Education

High school diploma

Phlebotomy training

EKG training

Job description

Outposted Therapeutic Housing Units Program (OTxHU)

Since 2016, Correctional Health Services (CHS) has been the direct health care provider in the New York City jails. CHS is part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system and partners with the City to reform the criminal legal system. Our in‑jail clinical services include medical, nursing, mental health, pharmacy, substance‑use treatment, social work, dental, vision care, discharge planning, and re‑entry support.

The OTxHU is a pioneering approach to increase access to high‑quality clinical care for patients in custody with complicated health conditions. It bridges the continuum between jail and inpatient hospitalization, with admission to and discharge from the unit based on clinical needs. CHS remains the primary healthcare provider while the NYS Department of Correction provides security. The first unit will open as early as the end of 2024 at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue in Manhattan.

Staff selected for the OTxHU may also be required to work in CHS locations within the jails. Preference will be given to internal candidates.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Nurses, the Patient Care Associate assists professional staff by performing venipunctures, finger‑sticks, HIV pre‑ and post‑test counseling, rapid HIV testing, and responding to emergencies. The Associate also performs clerical and health‑related duties associated with patient care (ADLs as indicated) and contributes to patient safety, care, and comfort.

Responsibilities

• Administer total care (bed bath, partial or complete).
• Assist with patient’s personal hygiene – skin care, mouth care, shaving, etc.
• Transfer patients including use of physical and mechanical lifting.
• Position patients and perform range‑of‑motion exercises.
• Assist with ambulating, toileting, and all ADL as directed.
• Prepare patients for meals and assist with feedings as needed.
• Assist with unit admissions and patient transfers.
• Make beds and tidy patient area for bedridden patients.
• Take and document vital signs (BP, TPR, weights, intake and output) and perform EKGs as required.
• Perform dry sterile dressing changes and assist with other patient treatments.
• Apply hot and cold applications to patients under supervision.
• Maintain intake and output for oral and bodily excretions.
• Notify MD/Nurse staff of any changes in patient status.
• Perform urine testing by dipstick and fractionalization.
• Chaperone staff in all clinical areas when requested.
• One‑to‑one observation.
• Maintain competency in nursing skills per the clinical performance checklist.
• Assist with nursing follow‑ups and transmit necessary information to the laboratory electronically.
• Anticipate and act to maintain a safe environment.
• Perform job functions efficiently to promote resource use.
• Wait for relief at the change of tour by staff with the same title.
• Document all encounters in Electronic Medical Records.
• Complete encounter forms each shift.
• Perform HIV pre‑ and post‑test counseling and rapid HIV testing.
• Enter data into the rapid HIV database and EMR.
• Fax rapid HIV testing information to the Nursing Office each tour.
• Perform quality controls.
• Perform EKGs and fax information.
• Perform nursing follow‑up as assigned.
• Assist with admission processing.
• Perform venipunctures.
• Assist in emergency responses.
• Clean equipment (thermometers, BP machines, EKG machines, suction machines, refrigerators, etc.).
• Stock and replenish supplies in all clinic areas, including stationery.
• Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Maintain security precautions with keys, locked areas, and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Fine motor skills; visual acuity.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent approved by a state Department of Education or recognized accrediting organization.
• Completion of training courses including phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG). Acceptable programs include Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Patient Care, or Medical Assistant training.
• Valid and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or obtained via facility orientation.

Special Note

In addition to the above, assignment to a long‑term care facility requires New York State Nurse’s Aide certification.

Department Preferences

• Ability to support nursing colleagues and maintain a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, patients, and other healthcare providers.
• Skills in training, mentoring, and developing peer nursing staff.
• Professionalism and courtesy, especially when managing conflicts and deescalating challenging situations.
• Adaptability to new or changing circumstances, collaboration with team members, and ability to work under pressure.
• Support for the care delivery model and environment to ensure evidence‑based patient care.

How to Apply

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