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Job Description

Mental Health Associate collaborates with other members of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary treatment team through verbal communication during physical rounds, patient care conference (formal or informal) and through the role of patient advocate with ancillary department; remains calm and problem solves during stressful situation; relates in an empathetic and professional manner with emotionally disturbed patients/families; takes direction from a RN and cooperates in professional team approach; demonstrates Valley Health Values in all interactions.


Duties may include, but are not limited to:

ASSISTS IN MAINTAINING THERAPEUTIC MILIEU: Reports changes in physical/psychological status. Identifies patient situations where restrains or seclusion are may be necessary; demonstrates correct application of wrist, vest and four-point leather restrains; in an actual or role playing situation demonstrates seclusion team member role. Collaborates with other members of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary treatment team through verbal communication during physical rounds, patient care conference (formal or informal) and through the role of patient advocate with ancillary department. Administers the MMSE consistently and scores accurately. Gives clear instructions to patients taking the MMPI and anticipates whether an individual may need additional assistance. Able to list at least four elements necessary for a therapeutic rather than a social relationship. Structures individual time with patients to achieve goals set by the multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of which family members/other are significant to the patient and with patient permission, includes them in conversation and education. Demonstrates ability to locate and review with patients and/or orienting staff information on patient’s rights. Protects patient confidentiality by refusing to release information without specific permission. Assumes responsibility for encouraging participation in daily Community Meetings and other groups and meetings. Monitors patient and unit environment for safety by insuring completion of checks per policy. Knowledge of assigned patients’ needs. Completes safety checks and seclusion and restraint checks as needed. Communicates to modular leader information obtained during routine interactions with patient. Limits interactions with patients to those that enhance self-esteem, assertiveness, problem solving, communication skills and expressing thoughts and feelings. Utilizes de-escalation techniques. Encourages patients to participate in group and/or individual activities. Follows established plan by giving rewards and consequences appropriately and consistently. Supports other staff members in providing patient care for total patient group by offering assistance when needed. Participates in groups as designated. Acts as a positive role model for patients and staff


ASSISTS NURSE IN PROVIDING AND COORDINATING PATIENT CARE: Under the direction of an RN/LPN, provides care and treatment appropriate to the age of patient served as detailed and determined through the unit specific Scope of Care, Competency/Skills Checklists, Equipment Skills Matrix and Inservice Training. Has input into all formal/informal care planning activities pertaining to assigned patients. Provides assistance to patients in managing their own activities of daily living. Assists patients in goal setting. Performs delegated nursing procedures (ADLS, vital signs, meal monitoring, etc.). Assists patients in developing leisure time skills. Documents care provided using appropriate Flow sheets. Evaluates and documents patient responses to care as indicated. Assists with pre-evaluation treatment and post-evaluation treatment procedures. Manages all patient information with respect to confidentiality. Demonstrate knowledge of behavior modification principles by consistently carrying out nursing actions. Escort/transports patients to other hospital areas as required. Assists with special procedures. Maintains stock in treatment areas, dayroom and galleys.


COMPLETES LEADING GROUPS: Completes leading groups with documented supervision and evaluation by an Activities Therapist. Hands-in appropriate paper work to support this prior to evaluation process. Consistently organizes, plans and conducts group activities, relieving for other staff when necessary.


DEMONSTRATES ACCOUNTABILITY, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH: Adheres to Behavioral Health Services/Nursing Department policies regarding work schedule and use of fringe benefit time. Identifies how own behavior effect others. Attends staff meetings and maintains all yearly inservices and training. Attends one seminar per year outside hospital setting. Follows dress code guidelines for assigned unit. Maintains current certification in CPR and mandatory. Consistently follows through on delegated responsibilities. Documents all training and education in personal record. Assumes other responsibilities assigned by manager. Assists in preceptoring new employees.


Education
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Science or related field preferred, or five years of experience in psychiatric care preferred

Experience
Experience in a hospital setting preferred.

Certification & Licensures
BLS Certification (Basic Life Support) - American Heart ‘Healthcare Provider’ (HCP) - AHA approved required *
* New hires must have American Heart Association (AHA) appropriate certification prior to completion of orientation.

Qualifications
Successful completion of unit orientation checklist within six weeks of hire required.

Understands basic principles of human growth and development required
.
Record clear of sexual misconduct or abusive behavior toward others required.

Competent to successfully interact with patients according to their special needs which may apply based on the age of the patient served required.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

FLSA Classification
Non-exempt

Physical Demands
18 A Mental Health Associate, Counsellor, Therapist

Benefits

At Valley Health, we believe everyone is a caregiver, and our goal is to create an environment where our caregivers thrive physically, financially, and emotionally. In addition to a competitive salary, our most popular benefits for full-time employees include:

• A Zero-Deductible Health Plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Retirement Savings Match
• A Robust Employee Assistance Program to help with many aspects of emotional wellbeing
• Membership to Healthy U: An Incentive-Based Wellness Program

Valley Health also offers a health savings account & flexible spending account for childcare, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and professional development. In addition, several perks come with working for the largest employer in the region, such as discounts to on-campus dining, and more.

To see the full scale of what we offer, visit valleyhealthbenefits.com .