Patient Care Associate (PCA) - Psychiatry

Job Title: Patient Care Associate – Inpatient Psychiatry
Location: New York, NY
Department: Psych
Contract Duration: 8 weeks
Shift Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:15 PM
Days/Week: 5 (37.5 hours/week)
Floating: Required to Addictions Unit and CPEP
Hourly rate: 27/hour on W2 (Negotiable)

Role Overview:
The Patient Care Associate (PCA) functions as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing comprehensive support to patients in an inpatient psychiatric setting. This includes direct patient care, therapeutic interventions, group activities, and support during admission, treatment, and discharge processes. The PCA ensures patient safety, promotes well-being, and assists with maintaining unit operations in accordance with hospital protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in patient admissions and orientation, including securing valuables and explaining unit rules.
• Support patients with personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities.
• Collect health-related data: vitals, weight, EKGs, blood/urine samples, and perform urine testing.
• Assist in developing and implementing individualized Nursing Care Plans and Treatment Team plans.
• Co-lead and facilitate therapeutic and recreational patient activity groups.
• Support discharge planning by coordinating logistics (e.g., transportation, contacting family).
• Escort patients on/off hospital grounds for tests, programs, court, and outings.
• Intervene with patients using therapeutic de-escalation techniques and physical restraints when necessary.
• Care for patients in seclusion/restraint per departmental policy.
• Initiate CPR and support emergency protocols (e.g., Code 77).
• Maintain infection control standards.
• Provide supportive counseling to assigned patient caseloads and their families.

Qualifications & Certifications:
Required Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of full-time experience in one of the following areas:
  • Law Enforcement
  • Nursing
  • Psychiatric/Behavioral Health
  • Mental Health Population
  • Counseling
  • Group/Family Dynamics
    OR
• Associate’s Degree (preferred in mental health or related field)

Required Certifications & Background Checks:

• BLS (American Heart Association)
• Medical Assistant Training Certificate
• CPI or ProductS Certification (must be completed before starting date)
• SEL and SCR background clearances

Required Skills & Experience:

• Experience in psychiatric or behavioral healthcare, counseling, or law enforcement setting
• Venipuncture
• EKG operation and interpretation