Patient Care Associate (PCA) - Psychiatry

Job Title: Patient Care Associate (PCA) – Psychiatry
Location: New York
Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM, 5 days/week (37.5 hours), including some weekends
Duration: 13 weeks
Unit: CPEP, with floating to Adult Psych, Geri-Psych, Child/Adol units
Patient Ratio: 1:5
Pay Rate: $27/hour negotiable

Role Overview:
Functions as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive care to patients admitted to the inpatient psychiatry service. Supports patient admission, orientation, therapeutic interventions, and discharge planning while maintaining patient safety and comfort.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to deliver full-spectrum psychiatric care to inpatients.
• Assist with patient admission and orientation, including room/unit introduction, securing valuables, and reviewing unit rules.
• Prepare and update Nursing Care Plans and participate in Interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings.
• Plan and support therapeutic interventions based on established care plans.
• Perform direct care duties such as vital signs monitoring, dressing changes, specimen collection (sputum, blood, urine), EKGs, and personal hygiene assistance (feeding, bathing, dressing, etc.).
• Provide concrete services like arranging transportation, obtaining clothing, and managing check cashing.
• Lead or co-lead therapeutic and recreational patient activity groups.
• Facilitate discharge planning, including coordinating transportation and maintaining family contact.
• Escort patients to various appointments and activities both on and off-site.
• Manage interventions involving physical restraints and care of patients in seclusion/restraint, adhering to policy.
• Initiate CPR and assist with Code 77 protocols when necessary.
• Maintain infection control practices.
• Provide ongoing supportive counseling to patients and families within assigned caseload.

Qualifications & Skills:
Required Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent AND 2 years full-time experience in law enforcement, nursing, psychiatric/behavioral health, mental health counseling, or related group/family dynamics.
  OR
• Associate’s degree (preferably in mental health or related field).

Required Certifications:

• BLS (American Heart Association)
• Certificate of Medical Assistant Training
• CPI or ProductS certification
• SEL and SCR background checks

Required Skills:

• Venipuncture and EKG proficiency
• Experience working with psychiatric or mental health populations