Patient Care Associate (PCA) - Psychiatry

Job Title: PCA Psychiatric
Location: New York, NY
Schedule: 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM (Some weekends required)
Hours: 37.5 hours/week, 5 days/week
Duration: 13 weeks
Unit: CPEP (with floating to Adult Psych, Geri-Psych, Child/Adolescent units)
Hourly rate: $27/hour Negotiable

Role Overview:
As a member of a multidisciplinary team, the Psychiatric Nursing Attendant provides comprehensive care and support to patients admitted to the inpatient psychiatry service. The role involves patient admission and orientation, direct care duties, therapeutic interventions, and assisting with discharge planning, all while maintaining safety and adherence to protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in patient admission and orientation to the inpatient psychiatric unit.
• Assist patients with personal care, changing clothes, and securing valuables.
• Review unit rules and provide orientation to rooms and unit facilities.
• Prepare and update Nursing Care Plans and contribute to Interdisciplinary Treatment Teams.
• Plan and assist with therapeutic interventions based on care plans.
• Perform direct patient care duties: taking vital signs, simple dressing changes, specimen collection, personal hygiene assistance, and EKGs.
• Provide concrete services such as transportation, clothing acquisition, and check cashing assistance.
• Lead and co-lead therapeutic and recreational patient activity groups.
• Assist with discharge planning, including transportation and family contact coordination.
• Escort patients within and outside the Medical Center (radiology, court, outings).
• Intervene with physical restraints for violent/aggressive patients and assist in seclusion/restraint care per policy.
• Initiate CPR and support Code 77 emergency protocols.
• Maintain infection control practices.
• Manage an assigned patient caseload providing ongoing supportive counseling to patients and families.

Qualifications & Skills:
Required Education:

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

Required Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association
• Certificate of Medical Assistant training
• CPI or ProductS certification
• SEL and SCR background checks

Experience & Skills:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in psychiatric/behavioral health, law enforcement, or related mental health counseling or group dynamics work (if no Associate’s degree)
• Proficient in venipuncture and EKG skills