Patient Support Associate Per Diem

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

2d•$17 - $28

About The Position

The Patient Support Associate provides safe, appropriate, non-skilled therapeutic interventions as assigned in the Pediatric Unit at Hospital for Special Care. The role focuses on supervising patients to support safety, transporting patients in preparation for treatment, preparing and maintaining equipment and supplies, and keeping unit and treatment areas clean and orderly. The associate works under the direction of a licensed nurse and may perform clerical duties in the staffing office. Employees may be asked to float to other patient care units or departments when operational or patient care needs require, provided they have the competencies and qualifications for the assignment. The position works primarily indoors, continuously around and with others, in a setting that may be noisy and somewhat crowded. Schedules may fluctuate frequently and unpredictably based on census and patient-specific needs. The role involves exposure to body fluids, contagious disease, and blood-borne pathogens, with occasional exposure to particles, chemicals, and electrical or thermal agents that may irritate the eyes, nose, or skin. The position is per diem, with zero scheduled weekly hours, and is assigned to the second shift. The wage range is $16.94 to $28.48. Eligible employees may participate in benefits, with eligibility for some benefits based on scheduled hours worked.

Requirements

Ability to work independently.
Ability to read, write, and understand directions in English.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Ability to tolerate up to four hours of consecutive work.
Endurance for periods of constant sitting up to one and one-half hours and independent mobility up to one hour.
Ability to safely transfer patients and provide contact guarding or hands-on assistance.
Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds continuously, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 40 pounds frequently for patient transfers and bed mobility.
Ability to push or pull up to 50 pounds frequently for patient transport and mobility activities.
Ability to frequently change body position to access equipment in high and low areas and provide treatment interventions.
Functional fine and gross motor skills and upper-extremity sensation.
Intact vision to observe patients' non-verbal responses and assess skin.
Ability to initiate and interpret communication with patients and others.
Ability to apply previously acquired knowledge, use flexible thought and reasoning, stay organized, and act in some new or unfamiliar situations.
Selective attention and concentration to complete tasks.
Basic formulation, content, syntax, and spelling for completing tasks; simple sentences or very short paragraphs are sufficient.
Ability to communicate spontaneously and receive and convey messages.
Ability to comprehend lengthy messages or paragraphs and follow multistage and three-step commands.
Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers, multiply and divide tens and hundreds by 2, 3, 4, and 5, and perform basic arithmetic operations.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience with a special needs population.
Basic computer knowledge.
CPI or Safety Care.

Responsibilities

Assist with lifting, transporting, turning, guarding, and handling patients using proper body mechanics and safety awareness.
Observe patients and provide direct assistance with assigned activities under the direction of a licensed nurse.
Use patient-related equipment as directed and demonstrate competency in its use.
Observe and report changes in patient condition to appropriate team members.
Provide setup and feeding assistance during mealtimes as needed.
Help maintain the orderliness and cleanliness of unit areas.
Document assigned tasks accurately and promptly using appropriate formats.
Order patient equipment and supplies as directed.
Obtain, organize, and clean equipment and supplies as directed.
Monitor available stock and maintain neat, orderly storage of equipment and supplies on the unit as assigned.
Set up and clean treatment areas, including pillows, linens, mats, and treatment tables.
Perform miscellaneous clerical and staffing office duties as needed.
Prioritize tasks to complete assignments and seek supervisory guidance as needed.

Benefits

Employer-subsidized medical and dental insurance
Vision insurance
403(b) retirement savings plan with an employer match of up to 6%
Paid time off
Employer-paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Professional development opportunities
Voluntary benefits, including pet insurance
Employee wellness programs with access to the onsite fitness and aquatics center
Employee referral bonus program
Employee recognition and appreciation initiatives