Activities Assistant

MyMichigan Health•Sault Ste. Marie, MI

About The Position

The Activities Assistant (PCT) for the Behavioral Health Center is a trained individual, responsible for assisting the Recreational Therapist with activities and educational programming for recipients at the Behavioral Health Center. They directly report to the Director of Nursing of the Behavioral Health Center, with frequent and consistent discussions and coordination with the Recreational Therapist for following the patient programming schedule and plans of care. The Activities Assistant uses good communication skills to encourage recipients to attend, and engage in, educational group sessions and participate in activities of interest during their admission. The Activities Assistant will work in cooperation with ancillary staff to maintain the standards for professional practice in the clinical setting.

Requirements

Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support
Equivalent Experience: Required within one month of hire or transfer
Qualification Source: AHA
FINGERPRIN - Fingerprinting
Required Equivalent Experience
ICHAT - iChat(annually on Hire Date)
Required Equivalent Experience
RECIPIENT - Recipient Rights
Required Equivalent Experience
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Equivalent Experience
Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
Mandatory Recipient Rights training within 30 days of hire and annually.
MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
Previous experience working in long term care, acute inpatient services, or inpatient mental health.
Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.

Responsibilities

Implementation. Conducts activity group sessions as assigned, displaying good theoretical knowledge of group principles and good group technique. Conducts activity intervention and education sessions, as assigned after receiving appropriate training/education on facilitation techniques and appropriate group topics.
Documentation/Evaluation. Maintains patient documentation according to departmental policies and procedures. Writes group notes on patients records indicating the extent to which group goals have been achieved.
Communication. Demonstrates positive communication through friendly, pleasant, and professional verbal skills. Demonstrates the ability to meet the needs of the customer in a caring, competent manner. Coordinates the flow of communication between health care providers. Accurately prioritizes information and refers to appropriate personnel. Maintains confidentiality with respect to any and all information learned through performing this role. Completes progress notes in a timely and high-quality fashion.
Equipment Safety. Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner. Receives training/education on all appropriate equipment used and ensures the Safe Medical Device Act and Occurrence Reporting procedures are followed as needed.
Supports the mission, goals, policies and standards of nursing. Hospital and unit policies and work rules are recognized, supported and implemented. Works is in compliance with regulatory, Joint Commission and Michigan Mental Health code.
Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures Emergency care/safety: Performs according to procedure in all hospital emergency situations.
Provides and ensures safe and secure environment for the patient, staff and visitors.
Provides excellent customer service: Demonstrates professionalism and courtesy at all times.
Participates with staff meetings, performance improvement, educational offerings, and other unit activities as assigned.
Adheres to Infection Prevention and Control Practices including but not limited to the use of hand hygiene and appropriate use of protective equipment.
Takes initiative to provide appropriate activities for patients.
Ensures equipment is clean, in good repair, and ready for use. ie. Wheelchairs, fall sensors, commodes, etc.
Has a basic understanding of psychiatric disorders and basic therapeutic rapport skills in order to perform de-escalation of the anxious or agitated individual.
Performs other duties as assigned.