Mental Health Associate - Part Time

About the role

As part of Valley Health—a nationally recognized Top 15 Health System—this position collaborates with nursing staff and a multidisciplinary treatment team to deliver exceptional patient care in a psychiatric setting. The Mental Health Associate acts as a patient advocate, maintains a therapeutic milieu, and supports clinical quality through professional, empathetic interactions with emotionally disturbed patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Assists in maintaining a therapeutic milieu by:
  • Reporting changes in physical/psychological status.
  • Identifying situations where restraints or seclusion may be necessary; demonstrating correct application of wrist, vest, and four-point leather restraints.
  • Collaborating with nursing staff and the multidisciplinary team during rounds and patient care conferences.
  • Administering and scoring the MMSE and MMPI, providing additional assistance to patients as needed.
  • Structuring individual time with patients to achieve multidisciplinary team goals.
  • Including significant family members in conversations and education (with patient permission).
  • Reviewing patient rights with patients and orienting staff.
  • Protecting patient confidentiality.
  • Encouraging patient participation in daily Community Meetings and other groups.
  • Monitoring patient and unit environment for safety, completing safety checks per policy.
  • Communicating patient needs and information to the modular leader.
  • Limiting interactions to those that enhance self-esteem, assertiveness, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Utilizing de-escalation techniques.
  • Encouraging participation in group and individual activities.
  • Following established behavior modification plans by giving rewards and consequences appropriately and consistently.
  • Supporting other staff members in providing patient care.
  • Participating in groups as designated.
  • Acting as a positive role model for patients and staff.
• Assists nurses in providing and coordinating patient care by:
  • Providing care and treatment appropriate to the age of patients served, under RN/LPN direction.
  • Contributing to formal and informal care planning activities.
  • Assisting patients in managing activities of daily living and goal setting.
  • Performing delegated nursing procedures (e.g., ADLs, vital signs, meal monitoring).
  • Assisting patients in developing leisure time skills.
  • Documenting care and patient responses using appropriate flow sheets.
  • Assisting with pre- and post-evaluation treatment procedures.
  • Managing patient information confidentially.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of behavior modification principles.
  • Escorting/transporting patients to other hospital areas as required.
  • Assisting with special procedures.
  • Maintaining stock in treatment areas, dayrooms, and galleys.
• Leads groups with documented supervision and evaluation by an Activities Therapist, including organizing, planning, and conducting group activities.
• Demonstrates accountability and personal/professional growth by:
  • Adhering to work schedule and fringe benefit policies.
  • Identifying how personal behavior affects others.
  • Attending staff meetings and maintaining yearly in-services and training.
  • Attending one external seminar per year.
  • Following unit dress code guidelines.
  • Maintaining current CPR certification and other mandatory training.
  • Following through on delegated responsibilities.
  • Documenting training and education in personal records.
  • Assisting in preceptoring new employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Science, or related field preferred, or five years of experience in psychiatric care.
• Experience in a hospital setting preferred.
• BLS Certification (Basic Life Support) – American Heart Association (AHA) ‘Healthcare Provider’ (HCP) required prior to completion of orientation.
• Successful completion of unit orientation checklist within six weeks of hire.
• Understanding of basic principles of human growth and development.
• Record clear of sexual misconduct or abusive behavior toward others.
• Competent to interact with patients according to their special needs based on age.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Benefits

Valley Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Zero-deductible health plan.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance.
• Retirement savings match.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program for emotional wellbeing.
• Membership to Healthy U: An incentive-based wellness program.
• Health savings account and flexible spending account for childcare.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Additional perks such as discounts on on-campus dining.

Pay

$18.96 - $25.59 per hour.

Physical Demands

This role is classified as physically demanding (18 A).