Mental Health Associate / Nights

Emory Healthcare•Decatur, GA

About The Position

Assists in the implementation of interventions and activities for assigned patients on the inpatient psychiatric units or in the outpatient setting. Follows established policies and procedures to ensure accurate and consistent quality of patient care. Maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients at all times and ensures confidentiality and adherence to professional boundaries. Uses professional training and expertise in psychology as a framework for leading or co-leading therapeutic groups. Communicates with patients, both individually and in group settings, and provides feedback and treatment evaluations on an ongoing basis. Provides patients with instructions which will allow them to participate in their treatment plan. Assesses patient therapy on an on-going basis to determine the patient's response to the treatment plan and to identify issues and appropriate modifications. Takes vital signs and ensures prompt and accurate documentation in the patient's chart. Works with patients to establish clear and reasonable limits and expectations in accordance with the treatment plan. Observes the activities and behaviors of patients in accordance with the prescribed individual treatment plan. Communicates patient's needs and responses through appropriate verbal and written communications with other members of the health care team. Evaluates critical and crises situations and initiates an immediate response. Works with manager to formulate plan for professional development. Attends educational in-services as appropriate. Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments. Documents patient interventions and responds according to department protocol; ensures that observations are accurately recorded on the patient's chart. Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team to determine the appropriateness of the intervention and the prescribed therapy. If in the inpatient setting: Makes scheduled patient rounds to ensure the general well-being of residents. Accompanies patients who have been granted approval to leave the unit temporarily. Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field required with one year of inpatient or outpatient psychiatric experience strongly preferred.
Three years of directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Must be physically able to lift and restrain agitated or violent patients.

Responsibilities

Assists in the implementation of interventions and activities for assigned patients on the inpatient psychiatric units or in the outpatient setting.
Follows established policies and procedures to ensure accurate and consistent quality of patient care.
Maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients at all times and ensures confidentiality and adherence to professional boundaries.
Uses professional training and expertise in psychology as a framework for leading or co-leading therapeutic groups.
Communicates with patients, both individually and in group settings, and provides feedback and treatment evaluations on an ongoing basis.
Provides patients with instructions which will allow them to participate in their treatment plan.
Assesses patient therapy on an on-going basis to determine the patient's response to the treatment plan and to identify issues and appropriate modifications.
Takes vital signs and ensures prompt and accurate documentation in the patient's chart.
Works with patients to establish clear and reasonable limits and expectations in accordance with the treatment plan.
Observes the activities and behaviors of patients in accordance with the prescribed individual treatment plan.
Communicates patient's needs and responses through appropriate verbal and written communications with other members of the health care team.
Evaluates critical and crises situations and initiates an immediate response.
Works with manager to formulate plan for professional development.
Attends educational in-services as appropriate.
Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments.
Documents patient interventions and responds according to department protocol; ensures that observations are accurately recorded on the patient's chart.
Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team to determine the appropriateness of the intervention and the prescribed therapy.
Makes scheduled patient rounds to ensure the general well-being of residents.
Accompanies patients who have been granted approval to leave the unit temporarily.
Performs other related duties as required.