Mental Health Associate (Medical Assistant) - Psychiatry Emergency - MSM - Part Time/Days

Mental Health Associate

Mental Health Associate is an individual who functions in both a support and collaborative role with the Registered Professional Nurse by providing direct care to individual and to groups of psychiatric patients within the Psychiatry Care Center.

Responsibilities

Assists the nursing staff in performing selected nursing procedures and functional tasks to specific patients

Assists with the admissions, transfer and discharge of patients according to established policy and procedures.

Provides direct physical care, and/or one to one observation to selected patients under supervision

Carries out procedures as taught

Assists with patients' examinations treatments and procedures

Assists with lifting, positioning. moving and ambulating patients using body mechanics as instructed

Transports patients by wheelchair, stretcher or bed

Assists in preventive measures and crisis interventions (i. e. suicide, aggression, elopement self- harm and sexual risks).

Assists in de-escalation of agitated patients and utilizes crisis prevention techniques as necessary for the management of potential destructive behaviors

Escorts ambulatory patients

Escorts patients outside of the hospital as necessary

Goes on errands as necessary

Aware of the need for safety devices; applies or assists with application as taught.

Cares for patient's personal possessions and reports presence of valuables to the nurse or ward clerk

Answers call lights, attends to the patient's needs and/or reports patient's concerns and requests to the nurse

Reports pertinent information and observations regarding patients to the nurse

Communicates information and basic instructions to patients, families and visitors

Participates in exchange of patient daily report and nursing care conferences

Obtains and records blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration rate in accordance with hospital policy.

Attends staff and educational meetings

Works safely and provides for the safety of patients and others

Maintains neat and clean patient and service areas

Organize and implement group activities in conjunction with the unit program and other staff and document patient participation and report to nurse.

Facilitate the patient's transition toward discharge

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of desired effects and side effects of psychotropic medication.

Participate in Interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings as assigned.

Perform Q20 minute environmental/patient safety rounds and implement a higher level of observation in emergencies. Immediately reports any need for increased observation to the clinical nurse for further assessment.

Establish and foster collegial, therapeutic relationships with peers, support staff and other disciplines.

Demonstrate therapeutic skills in crisis intervention.

Demonstrates safe use of equipment, safety precautions in all aspects of patient care activities (e.g.restraints applications, transportation).

Recognizes changes in a patient's status, sharing findings with the primary nurse.

Demonstrate basic knowledge of DSM-IV diagnoses.

Assists with emergency interventions based on clinical manifestation (i.e. choking, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest).

Demonstrates awareness of the effect of the physiological changes (decrease vision, hearing and speaking) when utilizing verbal/written skills to communicate with the elderly.

Selects toys and play room activities consistent with the age and developmental stage of the child/adolescent patient. Maintains cleanliness of toys

Assists on restraining patients and providing monitoring and comfort of those patients in restraint.

Perform phlebotomy/fingerstick procedures, as assigned.

Perform EKG as assigned.

Perform supplemental components of the nursing admission, i.e. tour of unit, orientation, patient and belonging search, as defined by RN.

Participate in Clinical Specialty Performance Improvement Activities.

Document care administered according to policy.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in assigned area

Assist in supervision of volunteers assigned to the unit

Age Specific Competencies (Neonate/Infant, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric)

Identifies physical, behavioral and emotional characteristics typical for the age group

Modifies approaches based on patient age-specific needs and responses to treatment

Provides care for patients based on age-specific needs

Uses communication techniques which are age appropriate

Organizational/Managerial

Participates in the Department of Nursing Quality Improvement Program/activities

Maintains patient/employee confidentiality in the management of information

Educational/Professional Development

Participates in the development of other staff members

Meets regulatory, licensure and annual health assessment requirements

Communication/Relationships

Demonstrates a professional, courteous, and respectful attitude in dealing with patients, families and significant others.

Displays courtesy, tact and patience during interactions with all members of the hospital staff and extended community.

Maintains positive interpersonal skills with patients, visitors and staff

Adheres to MSHS legal and ethical standards

May be required to perform other duties as assigned

Items 1-41 are essential functions of this position under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Qualifications

Associate Degree or equivalent with some college level courses preferred

Satisfactory completion of a Basic Medical Assistant's Skills Training Program or equivalent including EKG and Venipuncture skills.

One (1) year of satisfactory work performance as a Nurse's Aide or Patient Care Associate preferred

Successful completion of a Crisis Prevention and Intervention Course and updated according to policy.

Ability to read, write, understand and speak English in a clear and concise manner. Visual and aural acuity to assess patient within parameters of job responsibilities. Communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide variety of individuals. Orientation toward consumer satisfaction. Physical stamina, manual dexterity and visual and aural acuity to perform duties. Trained on the job. Successful completion of on site preparation program.

Prior healthcare experience with demonstrated competency in a psychiatric setting preferred.

Current Heart Saver Certification from American Heart Association. BCLS will also be accepted as an alternative.

Required Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

About Us

Strength through Unity and Inclusion

The Mount Sinai Health System is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute to excellence. We share a common dedication to delivering outstanding patient care. When you join us, you become part of Mount Sinai's unparalleled legacy of achievement, education, and innovation as we work together to transform healthcare. We encourage all team members to actively participate in creating a culture that ensures fair access to opportunities, promotes inclusive practices, and supports the success of every individual.

At Mount Sinai, our leaders are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We strive to create an environment where collaboration, fairness, and continuous learning drive positive change, improving the well-being of our staff, patients, and organization. Our leaders are expected to challenge outdated practices, promote a culture of respect, and work toward meaningful improvements that enhance patient care and workplace experiences. We are dedicated to building a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and advance professionally. Explore this opportunity and be part of the next chapter in our history.

About the Mount Sinai Health System:

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients'