Patient Care Associate (PCA) – Psychiatry (CPI Required) - PCAJS#001
About The Position
A premier academic healthcare facility in New York is seeking an experienced Patient Care Associate (PCA) – Psychiatry to support inpatient behavioral health services on a 13-week assignment. This role is part of a multidisciplinary psychiatric care team responsible for providing direct patient care, therapeutic support, behavioral interventions, and assistance with daily living activities for patients in an inpatient behavioral health setting. The ideal candidate will have prior psychiatric or behavioral health experience and strong skills in patient communication, crisis intervention, EKG procedures, and venipuncture within a fast-paced clinical environment.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent with at least 2 years of full-time experience in one or more of the following: Psychiatric/Behavioral Health Nursing Assistance, Law Enforcement, Mental Health Counseling or Support Services OR Associate’s Degree in Mental Health or a related field preferred
- Experience with venipuncture and EKG procedures required
- Strong behavioral health and therapeutic communication skills
- Ability to work night shifts in an inpatient psychiatric setting
- Experience working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Current BLS Certification (AHA) or HeartSaver Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Certificate or Medical Assistant training
- EKG and venipuncture competency required
- CPI Certification (Crisis Prevention Intervention) required
- PMCS accepted if applicable
- SEL and SCR background clearances required
Nice To Haves
- Prior inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health experience
- Experience managing aggressive or high-risk patient populations
- Group counseling or therapeutic activity leadership experience
- Familiarity with restraint/seclusion protocols and behavioral intervention techniques
Responsibilities
- Provide direct patient care and therapeutic support within the inpatient psychiatry unit
- Assist with patient admissions, orientation, and intake procedures
- Conduct patient belongings searches and secure valuables per unit protocols
- Monitor and document vital signs, height, weight, and patient observations
- Perform EKGs, venipuncture, urine testing, specimen collection, and simple dressing changes
- Assist patients with activities of daily living including bathing, feeding, grooming, and dressing
- Support nursing care plans and interdisciplinary treatment plans
- Lead or assist with recreational and therapeutic activity groups
- Escort patients for appointments, testing, and treatment activities as needed
- Assist with discharge planning and coordination of transportation/services
- Provide supportive communication to patients and families
- Respond appropriately during behavioral emergencies, restraint, and seclusion situations
- Assist clinical staff during emergency response situations including CPR and Code procedures
- Maintain infection prevention, patient safety, and behavioral health standards throughout the unit
Benefits
- Most competitive pay for every position we cater
- Salary will be discussed upfront
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
