Mental Health Associate

St. Clare's - Boonton•Boonton Township, NJ

1d•$20 - $27

About The Position

The Mental Health Associate - Inpatient assists licensed nursing staff with patient care under the direction and supervision of the Charge RN, RN, or LVN. The role provides and documents care, including assistance with activities of daily living, and basic nursing care for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. It also performs therapeutic interventions such as group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and crisis intervention. The Associate supports unit functions and helps maintain a safe, therapeutic, and clean environment for patients, visitors, and coworkers. As part of the interdisciplinary care team, the role communicates relevant patient information to the supervising RN, conducts designated group modalities and individual observations, provides emotional support, and monitors patient progress and compliance with treatment plans. The position also performs assigned clerical duties and follows Nursing Structure Standards, hospital and nursing policies, and applicable state regulatory and accrediting requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Current BCLS (AHA) certification within 30 days of hire and maintained as current.
Behavioral Violence Prevention training within 6 months of hire and maintained annually.

Nice To Haves

One year of prior mental health experience.
Familiarity with medical and psychological terminology.

Responsibilities

Assist licensed nursing staff with providing and documenting patient care, including activities of daily living, under the direction and supervision of the Charge RN, RN, or LVN.
Perform therapeutic interventions, including group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and crisis intervention.
Support unit functions and maintain a safe, therapeutic, and clean environment for patients, visitors, and coworkers.
Communicate pertinent patient information to the supervising RN as an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team.
Provide basic nursing care for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
Use education to provide designated group modalities and conduct individual observations to help patients learn coping skills, identify relationship conflicts, and develop conflict-resolution strategies.
Provide emotional support by listening to patients’ concerns, empathizing with their feelings, and helping them find solutions to problems.
Monitor patients’ progress and compliance with treatment plans and provide pertinent information at team meetings.
Perform clerical duties as assigned.
Follow Nursing Structure Standards, hospital and nursing policies, and state regulatory and accrediting requirements.