Mental Health Associate Emergency Dept 7a-7p

About the Role

As a Mental Health Associate 2 at Wellstar, you will assume an active role in the planning and provision of care for behavioral health patients in the emergency department, inpatient hospital units, and/or inpatient Behavioral Health Unit (BHU). In the BHU, you will perform activities related to providing for the psychosocial and physical needs of patients under the direct supervision of the primary RN. You will work as a vital member of the team and serve as a trusted connection for the patient.

Responsibilities

• Continuous observation of assigned at-risk patients (including 1:1):
  • Establish therapeutic rapport and gain trust
  • Scan environment for safety and ensure the removal of sharps, cords, extra linen, food, utensils, etc.
  • Ensure conformity to all safety policies/procedures (such as EC-73)
  • Document appropriately on observation records and medical records, noting any changes in behavior, mood, and activities
  • Monitor assigned sitters in the immediate area and advise as needed
• Monitor and address patient needs:
  • Take vital signs, perform venipunctures, and/or EKGs as needed
  • Note subtle changes in behavior, mood, and/or activity and alert the treatment team (RN, Charge RN, MD)
  • Conduct appropriate searches and check-ins upon admission
  • Maintain knowledge of and adhere to policies/procedures regarding patient safety (seclusions, restraints, and other physical techniques) using the least restrictive measures
  • Incorporate verbal de-escalation techniques and diversion activities to manage behavior and emotions
  • Educate on healthy communication and ADL skills both individually and in groups
  • Perform unit/safety rounds to ensure a calm, therapeutic environment
  • Facilitate milieu management by coordinating scheduled activities and meals
• Keep current in professional education and training:
  • Maintain de-escalation AVADE training and BLS certifications
  • Report suggestions to improve patient care to RN, Charge RN, and/or MD
  • Attend monthly staff meetings, quality meetings, and other events as assigned
  • Complete all assigned training and competence verifications (skill days, GAMES, CBLs, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Services or related field (preferred)
• Minimum 1 year of clinical experience (required)
• Minimum 1 year of experience in emergency department or inpatient behavioral health (preferred)

Qualifications

• BLS - Basic Life Support or ARC-BLS - American Red Cross Basic Life Support or BLS-I - Basic Life Support - Instructor (required upon hire)
• AVADE (Wellstar) - De-Escalation or AVADE-P (Wellstar) - De-Escalation - Provisional (within 30 days) (required within 30 days)
• Must be able to perform vital signs and employ de-escalation techniques
• Must communicate effectively and function as a contributing member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Must have a working knowledge of common psychosocial and physical needs of behavioral health patients

Schedule

Day shift