Job Title: Patient Care Associate (PCA) – Psychiatry
Location: New York, NY 10025
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Schedule: 3:00 PM – 11:15 PM, some weekends required
Unit: CPEP (with float to Adult Psych, Geri-Psych, Child/Adolescent Psychiatry)
The Patient Care Associate (PCA) functions as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team within an inpatient psychiatric setting. This role supports patient care, therapeutic interventions, safety measures, and daily functioning on the unit. The PCA participates in patient admission, orientation, routine care, crisis support, and discharge preparation while ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment.
Participate in admission procedures including patient orientation, securing valuables, unit rule review, and room orientation.
Provide direct care including personal hygiene, feeding, bathing, shaving, dressing, and mobility assistance.
Perform vital signs, height/weight, simple dressing changes, and specimen collection (blood, urine, sputum), including venipuncture and urine testing.
Assist in developing and updating the Nursing Care Plan and Interdisciplinary Treatment Plan.
Support therapeutic interventions and implement treatment strategies as directed by licensed staff.
Lead or co-lead recreational and therapeutic patient group activities.
Provide concrete support services such as escorting patients, arranging transportation, assisting with clothing needs, or administrative tasks.
Escort patients to internal and external locations (radiology, day treatment programs, court, outings, etc.).
Assist with crisis intervention, including physical restraints of violent or aggressive patients, in accordance with departmental policy.
Provide care for patients in seclusion or restraint.
Initiate CPR and assist with emergency protocols when required.
Maintain infection control standards and safe patient practices.
Maintain an assigned caseload and offer ongoing supportive counseling to patients and families.
Assist with preparing and implementing discharge plans.
If no Associate’s degree: At least 2 years of full-time experience in law enforcement, nursing, psychiatric/behavioral health, mental health populations, counseling, or family/group dynamics.
Venipuncture experience.
EKG skills.
Hospital experience required.
Required:
High School Diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of relevant experience
OR
Associate’s degree (preferred in mental health or related field)
BLS (AHA)
Certificate of Medical Assistant training OR Patient Care Assistant training (including EKG & venipuncture) or equivalent
CPI or PMCS certification
SEL and SCR background checks
For more details reach at vgill@navitassols.com or Call / Text at 516-862-1203.
About Navitas Healthcare, LLC: It is a certified WBENC and one of the fastest-growing healthcare staffing firms in the US providing Medical, Clinical and Non-Clinical services to numerous hospitals. We offer the most competitive pay for every position we cater. We understand this is a partnership. You will not be blindsided and your salary will be discussed upfront.