THE ORGANIZATION

Ashley Treatment Center was founded in 1983 by two visionaries who knew the treatment of drug or alcohol addiction could be designed and effectively delivered in a holistic manner that compassionately considers the whole person and not just the disease. Innovative then, and innovative now, Ashley passionately continues its core mission “To transform and save human lives by integrating the science of medicine, the art of therapy, and the compassion of spirituality.” Organizationally strong, the organization rigorously adheres to its guiding principles, ethics, and a culture of excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

Patient Support Associates (PSA) will assist the clinical staff with clinical programming and will act as a liaison to the patient community, ensuring patient adherence to the guidelines governing treatment. Patient Support Associates will carry out attendance/accountability, behavior management, data input, and other duties. Patient Support Associates will provide recovery support services to patients and will be provided the training and education needed to perform this function. Patient Support Associates may be required to provide patient transportation whenever clinically appropriate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Accountability

• Follows the proper procedures for taking accurate attendance at scheduled activities.
• Internalizes the patient schedule for each program
• Understands the layout of the Ashley campus (room numbers/locations, offices, building amenities)
• Performs scheduled rounds of the campus.
• Documents lateness/unexcused absences in TIER or via email.

Admission Procedures

• Follows procedures for safely searching new patient luggage
• Follows the “Items to be Held” policy
• Inputs confiscated items into the Personal Effects Form in TIER
• Accurately labeling and maintaining confiscated patient items
• Dons appropriate PPE during luggage searches
• Facilitates “Welcome Tours” for new admissions
• Facilitates new admission orientation and signing of proper consent forms in TIER
• Reviews the Patient Handbook and develops competency in answering questions regarding the content of the Patient Handbook

Behavior Management

• Internalizes the behavioral expectations of the patient community as outlined in the Patient Handbook.
• Understands the responsibilities of the Clinical Aide position in addressing behavioral expectations.
• Addresses behavioral issues in a professional, compassionate manner
• Documents behavioral concerns and observations in the Change of Shift report in an objective, clinical manner
• Communicates behavioral, psychiatric, and/or suicidal patient information to medical and clinical teams

Clinical Programming Duties

• Internalizes clinical goals and structure of each program (Primary, PRP, Relapse, EA)
• Serves as a function of Interdisciplinary Team
• Facilitates community topic groups, mutual support groups, discussion groups.
• Develops competency in assisting the clinical program as needed
• Operates A/V equipment in all lecture halls
• Develops competency in documenting clinical concerns in a clinical support role
• Participates in clinical interventions when needed
• Participates in department Strategic Planning sessions

Safety and Security

• Participates in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training
• Practices proper radio etiquette
• Assists Safety and Security Manager during emergency drills
• Internalizes the department’s role during Code Red, Code Blue, Dr. Armstrong, Active Shooter, Code White, and/or any other emergency

• Safely Utilizes golf carts for patient transport Follows Standard Operating Procedures of the department as outlined in the CA Manual
• Participates in monthly clinical in-services and any additional clinical trainings/educational sessions as outlined in the PSS Training Program

Patient Recovery Support

• Effectively serves the patient population, including but not limited to active listening, ACA/AMA blocking, de-escalation, advocacy, resource brokering, and accountability.
• Adheres to the Patient Rights and Responsibilities

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• High School diploma or GED required; Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services preferred.
• A valid driver’s license with clean driving record required
• CPR/BLS certification required
• If an alumnus of Ashley, must be 1-year post discharge, 2 years preferred
• Prior experience working in SUD or behavioral health setting strongly preferred
• Recovery Coach and/or CPRS certification preferred
• Crisis Intervention/de-escalation training/experience preferred
• Ability to maintain calm within the patient community during any emergency or drill
• Working knowledge and acceptance of multiple pathways to recovery (12-step, Peer Recovery, SMART, etc.)
• Demonstrates current, accurate knowledge of trends and issues related to recovery and wellness
• Ability to sets clear boundaries with patients
• Speaks and acts in an ethical manner
• Excellent customer service skills
• Knowledge of SUD treatment language and documentation expectations