Mental Health Associate - Full Time Third Shift

Valley Health System•Winchester, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As one of the nation's Top 15 Health Systems, recognized by Premier and Modern Healthcare, Valley Health is a place where excellence, compassion, and purpose come together. This distinction reflects our commitment to exceptional patient care, clinical quality, and the caregivers who make it all possible. The Mental Health Associate collaborates with other members of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary treatment team through verbal communication during physical rounds, patient care conference (formal or informal) and through the role of patient advocate with ancillary department; remains calm and problem solves during stressful situation; relates in an empathetic and professional manner with emotionally disturbed patients/families; takes direction from a RN and cooperates in professional team approach; demonstrates Valley Health Values in all interactions.

Requirements

Successful completion of unit orientation checklist within six weeks of hire required.
Understands basic principles of human growth and development required.
Record clear of sexual misconduct or abusive behavior toward others required.
Competent to successfully interact with patients according to their special needs which may apply based on the age of the patient served required.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
BLS Certification (Basic Life Support) - American Heart ‘Healthcare Provider’ (HCP) - AHA approved required
New hires must have American Heart Association (AHA) appropriate certification prior to completion of orientation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Science or related field preferred
five years of experience in psychiatric care preferred
Experience in a hospital setting preferred.

Responsibilities

ASSISTS IN MAINTAINING THERAPEUTIC MILIEU: Reports changes in physical/psychological status. Identifies patient situations where restrains or seclusion are may be necessary; demonstrates correct application of wrist, vest and four-point leather restrains; in an actual or role playing situation demonstrates seclusion team member role. Collaborates with other members of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary treatment team through verbal communication during physical rounds, patient care conference (formal or informal) and through the role of patient advocate with ancillary department. Administers the MMSE consistently and scores accurately. Gives clear instructions to patients taking the MMPI and anticipates whether an individual may need additional assistance. Able to list at least four elements necessary for a therapeutic rather than a social relationship. Structures individual time with patients to achieve goals set by the multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of which family members/other are significant to the patient and with patient permission, includes them in conversation and education. Demonstrates ability to locate and review with patients and/or orienting staff information on patient’s rights. Protects patient confidentiality by refusing to release information without specific permission. Assumes responsibility for encouraging participation in daily Community Meetings and other groups and meetings. Monitors patient and unit environment for safety by insuring completion of checks per policy. Knowledge of assigned patients’ needs. Completes safety checks and seclusion and restraint checks as needed. Communicates to modular leader information obtained during routine interactions with patient. Limits interactions with patients to those that enhance self-esteem, assertiveness, problem solving, communication skills and expressing thoughts and feelings. Utilizes de-escalation techniques. Encourages patients to participate in group and/or individual activities. Follows established plan by giving rewards and consequences appropriately and consistently. Supports other staff members in providing patient care for total patient group by offering assistance when needed. Participates in groups as designated. Acts as a positive role model for patients and staff
ASSISTS NURSE IN PROVIDING AND COORDINATING PATIENT CARE: Under the direction of an RN/LPN, provides care and treatment appropriate to the age of patient served as detailed and determined through the unit specific Scope of Care, Competency/Skills Checklists, Equipment Skills Matrix and Inservice Training. Has input into all formal/informal care planning activities pertaining to assigned patients. Provides assistance to patients in managing their own activities of daily living. Assists patients in goal setting. Performs delegated nursing procedures (ADLS, vital signs, meal monitoring, etc.). Assists patients in developing leisure time skills. Documents care provided using appropriate Flow sheets. Evaluates and documents patient responses to care as indicated. Assists with pre-evaluation treatment and post-evaluation treatment procedures. Manages all patient information with respect to confidentiality. Demonstrate knowledge of behavior modification principles by consistently carrying out nursing actions. Escort/transports patients to other hospital areas as required. Assists with special procedures. Maintains stock in treatment areas, dayroom and galleys.
COMPLETES LEADING GROUPS: Completes leading groups with documented supervision and evaluation by an Activities Therapist. Hands-in appropriate paper work to support this prior to evaluation process. Consistently organizes, plans and conducts group activities, relieving for other staff when necessary.
DEMONSTRATES ACCOUNTABILITY, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH: Adheres to Behavioral Health Services/Nursing Department policies regarding work schedule and use of fringe benefit time. Identifies how own behavior effect others. Attends staff meetings and maintains all yearly inservices and training. Attends one seminar per year outside hospital setting. Follows dress code guidelines for assigned unit. Maintains current certification in CPR and mandatory. Consistently follows through on delegated responsibilities. Documents all training and education in personal record. Assumes other responsibilities assigned by manager. Assists in preceptoring new employees.

Benefits

A Zero-Deductible Health Plan
Dental and vision insurance
Generous Paid Time Off
Tuition Assistance
Retirement Savings Match
A Robust Employee Assistance Program to help with many aspects of emotional wellbeing
Membership to Healthy U: An Incentive-Based Wellness Program
health savings account
flexible spending account for childcare
life insurance
short-term and long-term disability
professional development
discounts to on-campus dining