Summary of Position:

The Mental Health Therapy Assistant provides support to members of the clinical team to maintain the therapeutic milieu of the inpatient mental health program in accordance with established safety rules of the unit with an understanding of the goals, and objectives of the interdisciplinary treatment team and treatment plan.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Patient Groups - Participates in unit groups as assigned, including co-leading group therapy sessions as assigned; completes required documentation in patient record.

Patient Care - Monitors and maintains patient vital signs, ADL skills, input and output logs under direction of charge nurse.

Communication - Meets with assigned patients per shift, and documents interactions in the patient record, coordinating notes with the goals and objectives of the treatment plan.

Admission and Discharge - Participates in and assists Registered Nurse with admission intake process by completing the initial screening questions, safety checks and orientation to the unit. Participates in patient discharge planning under the direction of charge nurse.

Minimal Qualifications:

Associates Degree preferred. Minimum of three (3) years patient care experience required. Experience in human services or related field desired. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training completed within first year of employment.

Required Skills, Abilities and Attributes:

• Strong verbal and communication skills
• Ability to recognize and effectively manage personal boundaries
• Possesses critical thinking skills
• Ability to effectively respond to and manage conflict and stressful situations
• Working knowledge of appropriate de-escalation techniques
• Ability to work independently and carry out patient assignments with confidence
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse patient population
• Knowledge of and ability to respond to the needs of the psychiatric patient
• Ability to manage personal responses to patient care situations