The Senior Mental Health Associate functions as an active part of the treatment team, providing continuous patient care, supervision, interaction, role modeling, and educational groups to patients ranging in age from preschool through geriatrics depending on which unit worked.
High School Graduate/GED (Required), Bachelor's Degree (Prefered)
A minimum of 1-3 years of related work experince. License: Must maintain a valid driver's license in the applicable state (NJ) (Required)
Career development opportunities across UHS and its 300+ locations! Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan Tuition Reimbursement (eligible employees) Qualifications Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities: Take and record vital signs properly and accurately. Utilize sound judgment during assessment and observe and reports any changes in a patient’s appearance, behavior or ability to work toward treatment plan goals to the charge nurse.
Communicate changes in patient’s vital signs and condition to the charge nurse. Follow the therapeutic interventions outlined by the treatment team for each patient. Ensure awareness of patient’s individualized plan of care including goals and interventions.
Provide information to the charge nurse that assists in the development and revision of the treatment plan. Receive and give clinical report during shift changes. Document in the clinical record as required and according to guidelines & procedures (precaution sheets/environmental rounds, vital sign sheets, group notes, body and belonging search on the initial nursing assessment sheet).
Ensure intervention is based on the patient’s plan of care. Employ appropriate crisis intervention techniques as needed. Employ facility approved management of the aggressive patient techniques (HWC) as necessary.
Assist patients through the discharge process. Assist patients with personal hygiene and activities of daily living. Comply with the established policies and procedures requiring a safe, clean and therapeutic environment.
Practice universal precautions and environmental safety guidelines. Recognize and respond to priorities in patient care responsibilities. Supervise and assist patients in all patient areas.
Check patients for contraband and manage the patient’s valuables and belongings safely and with accountability. Report potential crisis situations to the nurse in charge and respond in an appropriate fashion. Ensure patient safety through continuous supervision of patient.
Establish and maintain a professional therapeutic relationship with patients. Conduct groups as indicated by the program guidelines. Teach the patient proper hygiene and ensure adherence to hygiene methods.
Carry out teaching activities identified in the treatment plan under the supervision of the RN Manager or the Program Manager. Model and teach appropriate social skills. Re-enforce the importance of medication compliance and monitor activity of compliance.
Orient patients to their unit and program, providing continuous guidance as needed. Conduct educational groups with patients as scheduled. Assume responsibilities for the completion of all patient care responsibilities and other assigned duties.
Ability to work at a rapid pace and tolerate a variety of repetitive tasks. Performs other duties as assigned/required by this position.