Mental Health Associate - Child Psychiatry

Job Description
Description
Mental Health Associate is an individual who functions in both a support and collaborative role with the Registered Professional Nurse by providing direct care to individual and to groups of psychiatric patients within the Psychiatry Care Center.

Responsibilities
Assists the nursing staff in performing selected nursing procedures and functional tasks to specific patients
Assists with the admissions, transfer and discharge of patients according to established policy and procedures.
Provides direct physical care, and/or one to one observation to selected patients under supervision
Carries out procedures as taught
Assists with patients’ examinations treatments and procedures
Assists with lifting, positioning. moving and ambulating patients using body mechanics as instructed
Transports patients by wheelchair, stretcher or bed
Assists in preventive measures and crisis interventions (i. e. suicide, aggression, elopement self- harm and sexual risks).
Assists in de-escalation of agitated patients and utilizes crisis prevention techniques as necessary for the management of potential destructive behaviors
Escorts ambulatory patients
Escorts patients outside of the hospital as necessary
Goes on errands as necessary
Aware of the need for safety devices; applies or assists with application as taught.
Cares for patient’s personal possessions and reports presence of valuables to the nurse or ward clerk
Answers call lights, attends to the patient’s needs and/or reports patient’s concerns and requests to the nurse
Reports pertinent information and observations regarding patients to the nurse
Communicates information and basic instructions to patients, families and visitors
Participates in exchange of patient daily report and nursing care conferences
Obtains and records blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rate in accordance with hospital policy.
Attends staff and educational meetings
Works safely and provides for the safety of patients and others
Maintains neat and clean patient and service areas
Organize and implement group activities in conjunction with the unit program and other staff and document patient participation and report to nurse.
Facilitate the patient's transition toward discharge
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of desired effects and side effects of psychotropic medication.
Participate in Interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings as assigned.
Perform Q20 minute environmental/patient safety rounds and implement a higher level of observation in emergencies. Immediately reports any need for increased observation to the clinical nurse for further assessment.
Establish and foster collegial, therapeutic relationships with peers, support staff and other disciplines.
Demonstrate therapeutic skills in crisis intervention.
Demonstrates safe use of equipment, safety precautions in all aspects of patient care activities (e.g.restraints applications, transportation).
Recognizes changes in a patient's status, sharing findings with the primary nurse.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of DSM-IV diagnoses.
Assists with emergency interventions based on clinical manifestation (i.e. choking, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest).
Demonstrates awareness of the effect of the physiological changes (decrease vision, hearing and speaking) when utilizing verbal/written skills to communicate with the elderly.
Selects toys and play room activities consistent with the age and developmental stage of the child/adolescent patient. Maintains cleanliness of toys
Assists on restraining patients and providing monitoring and comfort of those patients in restraint.
Perform phlebotomy/fingerstick procedures, as assigned.
Perform EKG as assigned.
Perform supplemental components of the nursing admission, i.e. tour of unit, orientation, patient and belonging search, as defined by RN.
Participate in Clinical Specialty Performance Improvement Activities.
Document care administered according to policy.
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in assigned area
Assist in supervision of volunteers assigned to the unit

Age Specific Competencies (Neonate/Infant, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric)

Identifies physical, behavioral and emotional characteristics typical for the age group
Modifies approaches based on patient age-specific needs and responses to treatment
Provides care for patients based on age-specific needs
Uses communication techniques which are age appropriate

B. Organizational/Managerial

Participates in the Department of Nursing Quality Improvement Program/activities
Maintains patient/employee confidentiality in the management of information

C. Educational/Professional Development

Participates in the development of other staff members
Meets regulatory, licensure and annual health assessment requirements

D. Communication/Relationships

Demonstrates a professional, courteous, and respectful attitude in dealing with patients, families and significant others.
Displays courtesy, tact and patience during interactions with all members of the hospital staff and extended community.
Maintains positive interpersonal skills with patients, visitors and staff
Adheres to MSHS legal and ethical standards
May be required to perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Associate Degree or equivalent with some college level courses preferred
Satisfactory completion of a Basic Medical Assistant’s Skills Training Program or equivalent including EKG and Venipuncture skills.
One (1) year of satisfactory work performance as a Nurse’s Aide or Patient Care Associate preferred
Successful completion of a Crisis Prevention and Intervention Course and updated according to policy.
Ability to read, write, understand and speak English in a clear and concise manner. Visual and aural acuity to assess patient within parameters of job responsibilities. Communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals. Orientation toward consumer satisfaction. Physical stamina, manual dexterity and visual and aural acuity to perform duties. Trained on the job. Successful completion of on site preparation program.
Prior healthcare experience with demonstrated competency in a psychiatric setting preferred.
Current Heart Saver Certification from American Heart Association. BCLS will also be accepted as an alternative.