Patient Care Associate - Psychiatry - New York, NY - DS 26-14933

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Patient Care Associate (PCA) – Psychiatry
Location: New York, NY
Job Type: Contract
Duration: 13 Weeks
Shift: Night Shift – 7:00 PM–8:00 AM
Schedule: 3 shifts per week; 39 hours per week
Local Candidates Required: Yes
Traveler Candidates Required: No

Pay Rate
Local: $750–$930/week, based on experience

Note: This job doesn't offer any benefits.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Patient Care Associate (PCA) to support patients in an inpatient psychiatric unit. The ideal candidate must hold a Medical Assistant certification and have at least 2 years of psychiatric or behavioral health experience.

Required Qualifications

• Medical Assistant certification is mandatory.

• Minimum 2 years of psychiatric or behavioral health experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience, or an associate degree, preferably in mental health or a related field.

• Experience working with individuals with mental health or behavioral health needs.

• Relevant experience in nursing, psychiatric care, behavioral health, counseling, law enforcement, or related mental health services, as applicable to the education pathway.

• Ability to support patients experiencing emotional distress or behavioral challenges.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, teamwork, and observation skills.

• Ability to follow patient care instructions and established safety protocols.

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Required Certifications & Skills

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.

• Certificate of Medical Assistant training.

• Current CPI or PMCS certification.

• Venipuncture experience.

• EKG skills.

• Successful completion of required SEL and SCR background checks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient admissions, orientation, and adjustment to the inpatient psychiatric unit.

• Help patients with changing, personal belongings, securing valuables, and understanding unit rules and regulations.

• Support the nursing team in preparing and updating nursing care plans and interdisciplinary treatment plans.

• Assist with therapeutic interventions and implement patient care activities as directed.

• Monitor and record vital signs, height, weight, and other relevant health information.

• Perform basic clinical procedures, including simple dressing changes, blood and urine specimen collection, urine testing, venipuncture, and EKGs.

• Assist patients with personal hygiene, bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities.

• Lead or co-lead recreational and therapeutic group activities.

• Provide supportive counseling to patients and families within the scope of the role.

• Escort patients to medical appointments, diagnostic procedures, and other approved activities.

• Assist with discharge planning, transportation arrangements, and communication with families or other support services.

• Follow established protocols for patient safety, de-escalation, seclusion, and restraints.

• Initiate CPR when necessary and assist the nursing team during emergency response procedures.

• Maintain infection control standards and comply with hospital policies and procedures.

• Help create a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment for patients receiving psychiatric care.