Psychiatric Aide

The Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC) Addictions and Mental health Program is a group of dynamic multidisciplinary teams that work together to ensure our patients have the best standard of care and experience. Our site runs six Addictions and Mental Health Programs; Two General Psychiatry Inpatient Units (Unit 25 & Unit 27), Day Hospital Program, Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES), Consultation Liaison, and the Short Stay Unit (SSU). As a Psychiatric Aide (Psych Aide) on Unit 25, 27 and SSU, you have a pivotal role as an integral member of our multidisciplinary healthcare team. Focused on in-patient acute psychiatric care, you will engage in collaborative efforts to provide holistic and comprehensive care, addressing the diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities. Reporting to the Unit Manager, the Psych Aide performs activities that support meeting the personal care needs and comfort of patients in accordance with their treatment plans, AMH and hospital policies and procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting in the provision of routine care to meet patient’s hygiene, nutrition, mobility, recreation, and safety needs. The Psych Aide also assists in the maintenance of a safe environment for patients, families, staff and visitors. In collaboration with the Assistant Head Nurse and charge nurses, the Psych Aide will be responsible for reviewing off-unit privileges, completing environmental safety checks, Q15 observations, checking patient belongings and building rapport with patients in one to one and group settings. The Psych Aide is also responsible for maintaining constant observation on high-risk patients with complex needs, as well as assisting with select activities of daily living (ADL’s) where indicated.

As a Psychiatric Aide, you will work as a collaborative member of the multi-disciplinary team to meet the personal care needs and comforts of patients in accordance with the patient care plan and facility policies and procedures. You will assist nurses with the provision of routine care to meet patients' hygiene, nutrition, mobility, recreation and safety needs as well as assist with organized activities or programs. In this position, you will observe and report on a patient¿s mood, health, well-being, maintain effective communication with patients and health professionals, assist with the maintenance of a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors as well as assist in the general support of the work area.

Completion of Grade 12. A combination of education and experience satisfactory to the employer will also be considered.

Some post secondary education. 1 year experience working in Addictions and Mental Health (acute care or community settings). Strong verbal and written communication skills including active listening skills. Ability to establish and maintain relationships built on mutual respect, appropriate sensitivity and transparency, empathy, and compassion. Ability to maintain a calm and tactful composure under a broad range of challenging circumstances. Ability to work cooperatively and productively with others. Ability to enhance, support, and empower patient engagement in treatment and changes. The incumbent must have the physical strength to assist in carrying patient belongings, bed movement, and ambulating patients.

Knowledge of verbal de-escalation techniques preferred. Knowledge of how to intervene is an asset. NVCI certification an asset. Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care an asset. Degree or diploma in psychology or related field an asset.