JOB TITLE: PSYCHIATRIC AIDE

JOB CODE: 30010

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Psychiatric Aide job series describes work in providing non-professional health care services to individuals residing at state-operated facilities.

DEFINITION: This is non-professional work providing health care services to individuals with mental health conditions in a Department of Human Services (DHS) facility.

An employee in this job assists nursing staff with the care of individuals by carrying out daily living activities, physical care, self-help activities, and other tasks related to individualized treatment plans. Work involves reporting individuals’ behavior, attitude, and physical condition to registered or licensed practical nursing staff; taking individuals’ vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; and documenting findings in the health care record. Work includes assisting individuals with other therapeutic activities under the direction of treatment professionals; transferring or escorting patients; and performing housekeeping duties in the patient care area. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures under the supervision of registered nursing staff who review results through daily care records, observation, and conferences with the employee.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Assists individuals in feeding, dressing, transport, and other daily living activities.

• Assists individuals with housekeeping functions in their living quarters.

• Supports individuals in the resolution of problems associated with group living.

• Observes and records on-going physical, medical, and behavioral conditions for inclusion in clinical records and treatment plans.

• Reports behavioral problems to the immediate supervisor and other professional staff.

• Encourages individuals to participate in therapeutic treatment activities.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic patient care practices for patients with mental, physical, or intellectual disabilities.

• Knowledge of non-professional health care services designed to improve the ability of individuals to perform daily living activities.

• Ability to read and interpret written materials.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the Aide Trainee program (commonwealth title);

or

• Six months of experience in the care, activities, and personal guidance of individuals with mental health or physical illness or disabilities;

or

• Certification as a Nurse Aide or Nursing Assistant through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require certification as a Nurse Aide or Nursing Assistant through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.