Therapeutic Program Worker, Psychiatry, University Cincinnati Medical Center, AFSCME

Job Description

Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW), Psychiatry Department

UC Health is hiring a Full-time Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) for the psychiatry department for the night shift at University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The Therapeutic Program Worker TPW will support the Medical Centers psychiatry department and Level III Trauma Center, delivering high-quality care to patients based on assessed needs, established standards of care and according to policy and procedures.

About University of Cincinnati Medical Center

As part of the Clifton Campus of UC Health, Greater Cincinnati's academic health system, University of Cincinnati Medical Center has served Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for nearly 200 years. Each year, hundreds of thousands of patients receive care from our world-renowned clinicians and care team. Our experts utilize the most advanced medical knowledge and technology available, providing a level of specialty and subspecialty medical care that is not available anywhere else in Greater Cincinnati.

UC Medical Center is also home to medical breakthroughs- our physician experts conduct basic, translational and clinical research, leading to new therapies and care protocols, and connecting patients to the latest and most advanced treatments. UC Medical Center houses Greater Cincinnati's only Level I adult trauma center, which includes the right mix of specialist and medical resources available at a moment's notice for a wide variety of the most complex medical conditions and injuries.

Unit Details :
  • Team-oriented staffing with multiple co-worker resources
  • Greater Cincinnati's only Level I adult trauma center
  • Competitive wages/benefits and a Clinical Ladder for all therapy disciplines


Responsibilities

As a Psychiatric Therapeutic Program Worker, you will be providing a safe and therapeutic environment for all psychiatric patients on the unit. Duties will include engaging in population appropriate communication, having knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks, giving clear instructions to patients/families regarding treatment, involving family/guardians in assessment, initial treatment and continuing care of the patient, identifying any physical limitations of the patient and deploying intervention when necessary, recognizing and responding appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems, interpreting population related data and planning care appropriately, recognizing and responding to different needs resulting from unique psychological needs or those associated with religious/cultural norms, performing treatments, administering medication or operating equipment safely, and recognizing and responding to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect. Ensuring a therapeutic milieu and a safe environment for all psychiatric patients.
  • NIPPAS for vital signs and daily weights, phlebotomy, EKG, finger sticks, assistance with feedings, personal hygiene/grooming, ADL's, collecting meal trays and returning to dietary, clean dining area, provide clean linen and dispose of soiled linen, and assist with inventory control and distribution of supplies and equipment in the clinical areas and hallways.
  • Co-lead treatment groups, i.e., Goals Group, Exercise Group, etc. Participate, organize and direct social and therapeutic leisure time activities, i.e., Bingo, card playing, chess and activities in the Recreation Room. Observe individual behaviors and group interactions and report any major change in patient's behavior and/or medical condition to the RN.
  • Initiate basic psychiatric interventions and provide appropriate redirection as needed. Uses age-appropriate communication skills. Provide non-punitive limit setting, appropriate modeling and reinforcement as needed to meet the patient's emotional needs. Assist in physical crisis management as needed and/or assigned.
  • Participate in quality improvement activities. Attend staff meetings, in-service sessions, and crisis intervention programs. Performs other duties as delegated or directed by RN, Clinical Manager or Nursing Supervisor .
  • Transport patients to X-ray, EEG, MRI, clinic appointments, etc.

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week

Shift: Varies

Join our team as a Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) in our psychiatry department and work alongside the best and brightest clinical teams collaborating toward our common purpose: to advance healing and reduce suffering.

Join our team to BE UC Health. Be Extraordinary. Be Supported. Be Hope. Apply Today!

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED, required.
  • Six months direct patient care experience in psychiatric setting or equivalent college-level coursework in nursing/psychology/social work
  • STNA certification preferred or college-level coursework in nursing/psychiatry/social work.
  • Specialized training in phlebotomy, vital signs, and assistance with activities of daily living experience - preferred.