Required Application Materials
A single PDF or Word document containing a resume, letter of interest, and a list of the names and contact information for three (3) professional references is required to apply.
Important Instructions:
When prompted to upload your “resume”, upload your combined documents as one file.
- Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”.
If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file.
Job Summary
This is a PRN/As Needed position.
This position will have a therapeutic programming schedule assigned by Activity Therapy Lead. This position will assist in the preparation and implementation of the Therapeutic Activities Program. They will provide and/or direct the provision of educational activities/therapies to patients with mental illness and serve as a role model while conducting therapeutic interventions. This position assists Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Activities Supervisor with facilitating the incentive program, competency program, client worker program, and therapeutic activities program. They may also be asked to provide or escort hospital transportation, support nursing staff in a direct care role as a Psychiatric Nursing Associate, or other duties as assigned. When not transporting or providing programming, this position will also provide patient care services under the clinical supervision of the Unit Manager to provide quality psychiatric direct care in the inpatient setting. Works as a valued member of the professional team to provide verbal and supportive movement to meet individualized goals of the treatment team. Responsible to the Unit Manager and the Charge Nurse. Safe, effective performance of direct patient care duties required.
Major Responsibilities/Duties/Critical Tasks
- This is a PRN/As Needed position.
- Always maintain patient privacy and confidentiality of information and records.
- Accurately complete all required paperwork in a timely manner.
- Attend all mandatory department meetings and required education /training programs.
- Know responsibilities related to general safety, regulatory compliance, and job-related hazards.
- Follow all administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
- Always maintain a professional appearance and attitude.
- Able to adapt to and overcome frequently changing conditions and circumstances to ensure patient needs are successfully met.
- Able to shift clock-in/clock-out times several hours either direction as needed on occasional basis.
- Welcomes and orients new patients to the unit and programming schedule/opportunities.
- Assists Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Activities Supervisor with programming assessment and interest inventory.
- Collaborate with Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Activities Supervisor to prepare weekly lesson/activity plans.
- Assists new hires to become familiar with program’s function and location of equipment/supplies for activities.
- Provides activity groups that are educational, interactive, and fun for patients.
- Documents patients’ attendance and their response to the interventions offered.
- Work involves providing personal health services (assisting with eating, drinking, bathing, mobility, and other care) and every 15-minute monitoring of behaviors.
- Assists nursing staff to provide therapeutic environment to promote living and social skills of all persons with mental illness.
- Will assist in inventory for patient belongings as directed.
- Male PNA staff is expected to respond to Behavioral issues such as “Code Bert”.
- Recording information on progress notes and other required forms and communication with other staff regarding patients.
- Work is assigned in 8-hour shifts but opportunities for 12-hour shift rotation with holidays and weekends as assigned/needed.
- Completion of Annual Mandatory Training, SAMA training, TB testing, and required licensure and certifications before expiration date.
- May be required to work outside of normally scheduled hours.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
- Ensure vehicle interiors are clean and welcoming to patients.
- Utilize procedures for obtaining preventative maintenance and repair of vehicles.
- Mitigate risks to transport patients as safely as possible.
- Ensure all patients are using safety equipment appropriately.
- Utilize safety equipment such as the wheelchair lift responsibly and secure wheelchairs with four-point system.
- Utilize time management so that vans are fueled appropriately when patients are not on board.
Required Education/Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- SAMA training
- First Aid/CPR certification
Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
- Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license.
- Must have and maintain a solid driving record.
- Basic computer literacy.
- Experience with patients with mental illness.
- Ability to exercise good judgement to manage emotionally reactive situations involving patients/families should difficulties arise while off-site.
About The University of Texas at Tyler and UT Tyler Health Science Center
The University of Texas at Tyler is part of the prestigious University of Texas System that includes 14 institutions located throughout the state. Founded in 1971, UT Tyler today enrolls 10,000 students and consists of six colleges.
Designated an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UT Tyler supports our surrounding region through innovation intended to uplift communities, spearhead sustainability initiatives, preserve ecosystems and support entrepreneurship. UT Tyler has the highest Carnegie classification in East Texas.
Providing exceptional patient care, comprehensive education and innovative research, The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas combine to serve as the university medical center for Northeast Texas and beyond.
For more information, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/about.
Additional Information
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code Section 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
For more information regarding benefits offered by UT Tyler, please visit https://www.uttyler.edu/offices/human-resources/employees/benefits.
Clinical Position Requirements
Clinical positions may be required to complete a pre-employment health screening, following a contingent job offer, to determine whether they possess the physical capabilities needed to safely fulfill the specific demands of the position. Additionally, clinical positions require compliance with the University’s Vaccine Preventable Disease Policy.
EEO Statement
The University of Texas at Tyler is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
