Mental Health Counselor, Emergency Room, 24 Hour, Evenings

Major Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of the Mental Health Team and serves both internal and external customers including patients, families, nurses, physicians and other colleagues who support the delivery of care and services.
• Provides clear, timely communication to the Registered Nurse (R.N.) regarding observations and changes seen in the patient.
• Records behavioral data on appropriate data sheets.
• Maintains patient safety by performing patient safety checks, environmental safety rounds, utilizing fall prevention alternative devices/strategies as directed utilizing de-escalation and calming tools and strategies with anxious patients and following the Restraint Policy standards when caring for a restrained patient.
• Serves as a leader or co-leader for group activities such as goal setting group, dual diagnosis groups, various activity groups, and structuring and supervising recreational activities.
• Handles routine situations and must request assistance from identified resources when more direction is needed.
• Aids in medical emergencies as directed by R.N.
• Utilizes proper safety techniques and body mechanics in all work-related activities.
• Obtains and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, and respiration, blood pressure and pulse oximetry).
• Makes and records measurements of patients’ height and weight as assigned by R.N.
• Performs a variety of tests and procedures which may include but not limited to EKGs, phlebotomy, and intake and output as assigned by R.N.
• Documents daily progress notes, and group notes (per policy) and as assigned by R.N.
• Assists the R.N. in other medical and psychiatric interventions as directed.
• Provides personal care as appropriate, working to optimize patient’s independent functioning in performance of daily routines.
• Works to utilize interventions to de-escalate patients and if unsuccessful participates in restraints in accordance with training and education as directed.
• Performs safety checks on patients and unit as directed. Documents findings.
• Reviews and follows treatment plan with patient. Provides feedback to clinical team regarding implementation of the plan.
• Implements special treatment strategies as indicated in the plan.
• Maintains logs, organizes patient care charts for admission/discharge/transfer and maintains medical records as instructed.
• Attends staff meetings and in-service programs as required or directed.
• Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and/or books, emails, bulletin boards, posted notices and reads and responds to UMMHC emails on a regular basis.
• Participates in unit-based quality improvement initiatives.
• Complies with required health, safety and HIPAA requirements.

Position Qualifications

• Licenses/Certifications/Educations: Required: Associate degree or at least 2 years’ experience in behavioral health required. American Heart Association Basic Life Support or Heart Savor certification required within one month as a condition of employment. AVADE required within 30 days of hire.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Medical terminology and computer skills preferred.
• Experience/Skills: Required: Ability to read, write and communicate in English in a clear and concise manner. Must have effective interpersonal skills to provide respectful, culturally and age-appropriate communication with patients, staff, visitors and others. Must demonstrate effective problem-solving abilities for routine situations.
• Preferred: Two years’ experience in a health-related field.

Physical Demands And Environmental Conditions

• Work is considered sedentary. Position requires work indoors in a normal patient care environment.