Mental Health Associate, PTRC, 20 Hours, Evenings

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

1d•$21 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Participates as a member of the mental health team on an inpatient and/or outpatient mental health unit. Provides direct patient care, including treatment planning, implementing plans, documentation, and milieu safety assessments and activities such as group activities. Serves patients, families, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues who support the delivery of care and services. The position is scheduled for 20 hours, with evening hours of 1500–2330, every other weekend and every other holiday. The work is indoors in a normal patient care environment and is considered sedentary.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current Basic Life Support or Heart Saver certification required within one month as a condition of employment.
At least one year of relevant patient support experience.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English clearly and concisely.
Effective interpersonal skills to communicate respectfully and in a culturally and age-appropriate manner with patients, staff, visitors, and others.
Effective problem-solving abilities for routine situations.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree.
Medical terminology and computer skills.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Mental Health Team and support patients, families, nurses, physicians, and other colleagues.
Communicate observations and patient changes to the Registered Nurse in a clear and timely manner; record behavioral data on appropriate data sheets.
Maintain patient safety through safety checks and environmental rounds, use of fall-prevention strategies as directed, de-escalation approaches, and compliance with restraint policy and training.
Help develop and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
Lead or co-lead group and recreational activities, including goal-setting, dual-diagnosis, and other activity groups; seek assistance when situations require more direction.
Assist in medical emergencies as directed by the Registered Nurse and use proper safety techniques and body mechanics.
Obtain and record vital signs, and measure and record patients’ height and weight as assigned by the Registered Nurse.
Perform assigned tests and procedures, which may include EKGs, phlebotomy, and intake and output.
Document daily progress and group notes as required by policy and as assigned by the Registered Nurse.
Assist the Registered Nurse with medical and psychiatric interventions as directed.
Provide personal care as appropriate while supporting patients’ independent functioning in daily routines.
Use de-escalation interventions and, if unsuccessful, participate in restraints in accordance with training and direction.
Perform and document safety checks on patients and the unit as directed.
Review and follow treatment plans with patients, provide feedback to the clinical team, and implement indicated special treatment strategies.
Maintain logs, organize patient care charts for admission, discharge, and transfer, and maintain medical records as instructed.
Attend required or directed staff meetings and in-service programs; stay current on hospital and unit communications.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and objectives; attend required meetings and seminars; use quality improvement in daily operations; and comply with health and safety requirements.
Demonstrate respect, professionalism, tolerance, civility, and acceptance toward employees, patients, and visitors.
Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance, and perform other similar duties as required or directed.