Mental Health Assistant - Per Diem - Shifts​/Varies - Medical Center, NJ

Mental Health Assistant / Elder life specialist

Job Summary:

Provides direct delirium prevention/intervention services for patients admitted on the medical floors of the hospital as part of the Hospital Elder Life Program.

• Identify patients at risk for delirium based on clinical documentation and utilize the CAM tool when visiting them to determine the presence of delirium
• Identify need for delirium prevention and management orders (including visual and hearing impairment management) communicating that information to the nurse
• Collaborate with nursing and patient care technicians in the implementation of therapeutic behavioral interventions incorporated in the delirium management protocol
• Complete all required documentation accurately and within the time frames required by the department
• Counsel and educate the family on prevention and management techniques when applicable
• Assist in training bedside companions in behavioral techniques to prevent and manage delirium and participate in PCT training classes with geriatric APN
• Maintain activity boxes and introduce music boxes on each unit
• Collaboration with music therapist
• Attend delirium meetings quarterly
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in social work or behavioral health
• Preferred qualification:
  Experience working with older adult population