Mental Health Assistant

Mental Health Assistant Location Schenectady, NY (Northside area) :

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Mental Health Assistant (MHA) is part of the inpatient mental health patient care team. Under direct supervision of the Registered Nurse, the MHA provides child, adolescent, and adult patient supervision in a treatment milieu. Assists in the maintenance of a safe and secure environment that enhances treatment. Provides care to patients in a manner that promotes safety, comfort, and therapeutic environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Completion of a minimum of one year of college in the Human Relations area, preferred.
• Healthcare experience, specifically in a behavioral health setting highly preferred.
• Experience in services, programs or agencies that provide direct support preferred.
• Relevant experience in other environments may include mentoring, teaching, or coaching.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong Interpersonal and time management skills.
• On the job training provided

GUIDING BEHAVIORS:

• Communication: Listen to understand, before seeking to be understood.
• Collaboration: Deliver outstanding service ensuring that safety comes first.
• Compassion: Serve every person with empathy, dignity, and compassion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 35 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period time in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance. Participate in physical therapeutic activities such as but not limited to kicking, running, stretching, or dancing. Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

• The MHA will support the treatment team in maintain a therapeutic milieu.
• The MHA will perform assigned patient care activities and will aid with all aspects of patient's bath, personal care and assist with providing patient nourishment.
• The MHA will obtain, and record objective patient data and patient care activities performed on the appropriate form in the medical record.
• The MHA will assist with patient activity using correct body mechanics and transfer techniques.
• The MHA will perform one to one observation for patient protection and communicate observations, maintain a clean, safe environment for the patient and will assist in maintaining a neat, well organized work area.
• The MHA will facilitate groups and activities and document on the appropriate form in the medical record.
• The MHA will be prepared to respond to code situations.
• The MHA will collect and identify laboratory specimens.
• Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the Exposure Control Manual regarding:
  • Standard Precautions
  • Blood borne Pathogens.
  • Disposal of needles, syringes, and sharps
  • Cleanup procedures for blood and body fluid spills, storage, handling, and disposal of medical waste.
• Will successfully complete and pass annual competency requirements.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures to mandatory education, annual health assessments, and licensure verification.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range: $16.65-$22.37/hour

Location: Ellis Medicine · C2/C3 Adult Psych Unit Schedule: Full Time (40 Hours), Days