Mental Health Associate, Psych, Per Diem

UMass Memorial Health•Marlborough, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position functions as a member of the mental health team on an inpatient and/or outpatient mental health unit. The role involves providing direct patient care, including treatment planning, implementing plans, documentation, and milieu safety assessments and activities such as group activities. The Mental Health Associate serves both internal and external customers, including patients, families, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues who support the delivery of care and services. Clear and timely communication to licensed nurses regarding patient observations and changes is essential. The role also includes maintaining patient safety through checks and rounds, utilizing de-escalation and calming strategies, and adhering to restraint policies when necessary. A key aspect of the role is participating in the development and maintenance of a safe and therapeutic environment.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
American Heart Association certification for health care provider CPR required upon hire or during orientation and every two years thereafter.
Avade 2 (restraint) training completion required within 30 days of hire.
Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.
Must have effective interpersonal skills to provide respectful, culturally and age-appropriate communication with patients, staff, visitors and others.
Must demonstrate effective problem-solving abilities for routine situations.
Must have ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree preferred
Medical terminology and computer skills preferred
Two year’s experience in a health-related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as a member of the Mental Health Team and serves both internal and external customers including patients, families, nurses, physicians and other colleagues who support the delivery of care and services.
Provides clear, timely communication to the units licensed nurses regarding observations and changes seen in the patient. Records behavioral data on appropriate data sheets and the electronic medical record.
Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, environmental safety rounds, utilizing fall prevention alternative devices/strategies as directed.
Effectively utilizes de-escalation and calming tools and strategies and follows the Restraint Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
Participates and shares responsibility for the development and maintenance of a safe and therapeutic environment.
Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.
Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.