Mental Health Worker

The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team. He/she implements clinical care responsibilitiesin accordance withinpatient psychiatry department policies,proceduresand standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse. The Mental Health Specialist must be able todemonstratethe knowledge and skills necessary to provide careappropriate topatients aged18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist mustpossessthe knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient’s age and developmental level indeterminingtreatment needs.

• Participates in crisis interventionusingverbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per training technique and seclusion/restraint policies/procedures

• Assists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate

• Leads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groups

• Provides patient/family education and supportsregardingmilieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goals

• Gives observation and inputregardingthe patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings

• Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goalsclearly evidentin documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN

• Conducts and/orassistsRN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height,weightand orientation to the unit

• Conducts patient safety checks as assigned tomonitorboth individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu

• Identifiesissues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge

• Vital signs, intake and output, activity of daily living status

• Gives observation and inputregardingthe patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings

• Shares observations and pertinent information with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregivers

JOB REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Degree or Equivalent

• CPR Certification Required

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Patient care skillsacquiredthrough 1 year ofpreviousdirect patient care experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients,familiesand staff

• Ability to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient care

• Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including:

• knowledge of growth and development

• provide age-appropriate communication