Patient Care Associate - PCA VG #1

Job Description – Patient Care Associate (Psychiatry)

Location: New York, NY 
Duration: 8 Weeks
Shift: Evening Shift (3:00 PM – 11:15 PM), Every Other Weekend Required
Compensation: $22–$24 per hour (W2)

Position Overview

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is an essential member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric team, providing direct care and therapeutic support to patients in an inpatient behavioral health setting. This role supports patient admissions, ongoing treatment activities, and daily living needs while ensuring safety, dignity, and adherence to established psychiatric care protocols.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Therapeutic Support

• Actively participate as part of the multidisciplinary care team on inpatient psychiatric units.

• Assist with admissions and patient orientation, including searching belongings, securing valuables, and reviewing unit policies.

• Support the creation, implementation, and updating of Nursing Care Plans and Interdisciplinary Treatment Plans.

• Assist with therapeutic interventions, patient engagement, and structured group activities.

• Provide supportive counseling to patients and families within scope.

Direct Clinical Support

• Obtain and record vital signs, height, weight, and other patient data.

• Perform EKGs and collect clinical specimens (blood, sputum, urine).

• Perform basic wound care and dressing changes.

• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, feeding, grooming, and hygiene.

Safety, Monitoring & Crisis Support

• Escort patients to appointments, procedures, and off-unit activities.

• Assist in managing aggressive or violent behavior following facility protocols.

• Participate in emergency response procedures, including CPR and behavioral restraint interventions.

• Provide monitoring and care for patients in seclusion/restraint as required.

• Maintain infection control, safety, and compliance standards at all times.

Operational Support

• Lead or co-lead therapeutic or recreational patient groups.

• Assist with transportation arrangements, patient personal needs, and discharge coordination.

• Support communication with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary staff.

• Manage a small caseload as assigned.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience (if no associate’s degree) in one of the following:

  • Law enforcement, nursing, psychiatric/behavioral health

  • Working with mental health populations, counseling, or group/family dynamics

• Venipuncture and phlebotomy experience

• EKG proficiency

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Prior experience in inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health settings (preferred but not required)

Education Requirements

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 2 years of full-time relevant experience
  OR

• Associate’s degree in mental health or related field

Preferred:

• No additional preferences listed

Certifications & Licensure (Required)

• BLS – American Heart Association

• CPI or PMCS (Crisis Prevention/Management certification)

• SEL and SCR background clearances

• Completion of a Medical Assistant or Patient Care Assistant program

  • Must include EKG and venipuncture training (or equivalent)

For more details reach at vgill@navitassols.com or Call / Text at 516-862-1203.