Child & Adolescent Patient Care Associate

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PATIENT CARE ASSOCIATE   POSITION SUMMARY The Child and Adolescent Patient Care Associate is responsible for supporting the partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs with all pertinent staff (nursing, physician, program therapist).   PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Provides care to patients in a manner that promotes safety, comfort, and the therapeutic environment. Guides patients with activities, attend to patient behavioral problems, and aids in crisis intervention, as needed. Works as part of a clinical team and developing clinical product. Chart patient observations, following prescribed procedures and standards. Participates in the development and implementation of patient treatment programs. Maintains confidentiality of patient records. May perform initial patient evaluations to determine treatment priorities. Attends and participates in group sessions, in-service education, and staff meetings. Maintains established institutional policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, and safety, environmental, and infection control standards. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops. May provide liaison with patients, families of patients, or external facilities and agencies. Complete initial contacts. Knowledge of cultural factors and comprehension of how mental health is evaluated across the cultural spectrum. Note: The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above.   THIS ROLE IS CALENDAR SCHOOL YEAR BASED (AUGUST - MAY)   QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma required; some college preferred. 6 months of experience in a psychiatric setting. Work autonomously and efficiently in an independent role. Ability to remain calm while working efficiently under stressful conditions. Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills, including written and verbal, to effectively communicate admitting criteria to the treatment team. Knowledge of criteria required for admission to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs.   PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS Ability to sit for long periods (8-10 hours). Ability to reach above and below the waist, turn, twist, and to manipulate small tools (copier, computer, telephone, typewriter, calculator, safe, facsimile machine). Ability to see well enough to read handwritten and typewritten material. Ability to handle a variety of repetitive tasks at a moderate level. Ability to occasionally handle electrical, mechanical, or equipment emergencies. Available to work varied hours (i.e., evenings) as required, may be on-call as needed. Ability to travel between facility locations, and at times, the corporate office. Ability to drive a motor vehicle to designated sites. Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks under deadlines and with short notice.