Mental Health Assistant, per diem varied, I/P Psych, Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center

Atlantic Health System•Morristown, NJ

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Assistant role is a per diem position with varied shifts, focusing on inpatient psychiatric care at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. This role involves direct patient care, assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring their condition, and contributing to a safe and therapeutic environment. The position also requires effective communication with nursing staff, participation in patient management including de-escalation, and adherence to hospital policies and procedures. The Mental Health Assistant will also be involved in unit maintenance, patient orientation, and assisting with therapeutic activities.

Requirements

High School diploma/GED
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred in related field
Previous experience in a behavioral health setting preferred
Previous direct patient care experience preferred.
BLS

Responsibilities

Takes and records TPR and reports deviations from normal to primary or Charge Nurse.
Obtains specimens as assigned (e.g., urine, stool, sputum).
Weighs patient and records weight.
Assists patient with activities of daily living including skin care (e.g., bathes, dress, ambulate and assists with meals).
Records oral intake and urinary output.
Performs assigned treatments (e.g., changes simple dressings).
Communicates effectively with Charge Nurse/primary nurse regarding patients needs and requests.
Orients patient to environment and develops rapport with patients, family and significant others.
Assists in patient management including de-escalation, alternative activities to prevent restraint and seclusion and physically assists in patient containment, restraint or seclusion under the direction of the Registered Nurse.
Performs admission and unit searches as assigned by the Registered Nurse to include shake, pat and observation of patient belongings as well as visual searches of same gender patients on admission.
Keeps patient unit and non-patient unit clean (e.g., wipes tables, neatens storage rooms, pantries and other areas).
Prepares bedside unit for new admissions (e.g., stocks with bedpan, tissues, water, cups).
Applies principles of infection control and safety in the work environment.
Reports significant unit problems to charge nurse.
Ensures that contraband is not introduced into the unit environment by property search, unit rounds and visitor monitoring.
Monitors visiting sessions as assigned by the Charge Nurse.
Assists in transporting patients to/from designated areas as assigned (e.g. recreation activities, testing, court).
Assists with unit therapeutic activities as directed by the Registered Nurse.
Ensures a safe unit environment through rounding, patient observation, reporting environmental issues or patient problems to the Registered Nurse.
Effectively utilizes the hospital computer system as it pertains to job responsibilities and in accordance with hospital policy.
Participates in orientation of mental health assistants.
Participates in unit committees.
Assists other personnel as necessary.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Coverage (22.5 hours per week or above for full-time and part-time team members)
Life & AD&D Insurance.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (with options to supplement)
403(b) Retirement Plan: Employer match, additional non-elective contribution
PTO & Paid Sick Leave
Tuition Assistance, Advancement & Academic Advising
Parental, Adoption, Surrogacy Leave
Backup and On-Site Childcare
Well-Being Rewards
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Fertility Benefits, Healthy Pregnancy Program
Flexible Spending & Commuter Accounts
Pet, Home & Auto, Identity Theft and Legal Insurance