Psychiatric Associate - Mental Health 5500

Job Description

Overview

The Psychiatric Associate is responsible for the delivery of patient care and promotion of a therapeutic environment as delegated by and under the supervision of the Registered Nurse so that the goals and objectives of treatment are achieved on each unit as assigned.

This is a benefit eligible opportunity (0.7 FTE, 56 hrs/ pay period) to work eight hour NIGHT shifts during the week (3pm - 11:30am), every other weekend (Fri-Sun), and rotating holidays on our in-patient mental health unit.

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1853, St. Joseph's Hospital in downtown St. Paul, MN is proud to hold the distinction as Minnesota's first hospital. Although much has changed in health care since the hospital's early days, the practice of providing high quality, compassionate care remains constant. From technology to education, family support and spirituality to community outreach, our commitment ensures you’ll always receive high quality, compassionate care. St. Joseph’s Hospital is a member of the University of Minnesota's Family Medicine and Community Health residency program and is Medicare certified.

About this position – Mental Health 5500

• 36-bed unit (8 beds high acuity)
• Comprised of double rooms and single rooms
• Patient population: general mental health, suicidal/ homicidal ideation, bi-polar, depression
• Average length of stay: 7-14 days
• Care team: family members, social worker, pharmacist, care manager, provider
• Provides care for adults with serious mental health conditions; patients receive psychiatric and psychological evaluation, medication management, individual and group therapy, and care management to promote an easy transition back to mental health support in the community.

Responsibilities/Job Description

Maintains safety of patient and staff by conducting the following as assigned:

• Conducts safety checks of patients through visual observation and documentation
• Conducts room, belonging and unit searches
• Responds and participates in de-escalation of patient including physical intervention as trained
• Actively participates in milieu management with treatment team collaboration

Performs basic patient daily living routines and procedures according to treatment plan:

• Demonstrates knowledge of signs/symptoms of diagnoses and interventions
• Conducts educational programming with individual and/or patient groups according to appropriate treatment plan
• Responds to emergency situations as trained per policy

Participates in the treatment team’s mission, goals and plans:

• Acts as a member of the multi-disciplinary therapeutic team
• Exhibits verbal communication in a timely, thorough, and professional manner
• Possesses knowledge of current issues, changes and updates in Behavioral Services policies and procedures

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• First aid certification required through the American Heart Association if assigned to work on a chemical dependency unit
• Knowledge of age and developmental issues specific to patient populations

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Field
• Experience working with emotionally disturbed persons