As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500133 Psychiatry SMH Crisis

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCA 203 H

Compensation Range:

$18.33 - $24.75

Responsibilities:

With some latitude, the Patient Engagement Specialist position works in the Inpatient Psychiatry clinical setting in collaboration with an interdisciplinary clinical team to facilitate patient engagement, encourage safety, and provide support to patients in the milieu setting. The focus of this position is to provide services that engage and support patients during their stay in the inpatient psychiatry units. Participates in unit-based research and quality improvement, involving data collection and documentation of patient services.

SCHEDULE:

• 2:00pm-10:30pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Engage patients by actively listening, building rapport, and trust with active presence in the patient milieu. Effectively communicates with patients, providing information on what to expect while staying in an inpatient unit to facilitate mitigation of frustrations. Navigates complex and emotional patient expressions by processing and utilizing activities to develop rapport, such as games, TV, coloring, etc., with patients in the milieu. Gathering non-nursing items for patients (food, drinks, scrubs, socks, hygiene items, etc.)

• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team by monitoring patient interactions in the milieu and facilitating verbal de-escalation through utilization of CPI techniques. Utilizes effective communication with nursing staff and PSOs by identifying potential risks and early signs of escalating patient behaviors (e.g. agitation, confusion, anxiety) so that interventions can be offered sooner in effort to reduce the use of restraint/seclusion.

• Facilitates patient completion of the PIX Inpatient Experience Survey as well as other quality improvement efforts on the units.

• Participates in ongoing staff development programs, workshops and seminars. Implements orientation and training for staff development, including the orientation and training of new Patient Engagement Specialists.

• Models ICARE Values, supports diversity and inclusion strategies and approaches that reduce stigma, engages patients, and promote patient-driven decision making.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree in a human service related field

•  2 years of experience in human services,

• Experience in a psychiatric crisis or emergency setting (preferred)

• or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Availability to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends, effective communication and teaching skills, and the ability to empathize with patients, families and/or support systems.

• Ability to speak Spanish, Vietnamese or be fluent in American Sign Language (preferred)

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.