Mental Health Specialist

Purpose of Position

Aids staff in the treatment and care of patients in accordance with established methods and hospital policies and procedures.

Description

• Performs standard treatment procedures and activities (e.g., vital signs, preparing patient rooms for admissions, handling patient belongings, preparing, assisting with meals as necessary, distributing and removing food trays, assisting with daily activities of living, ambulating, finger sticks utilizing the Cape Cod Hospital (“CCH”) Glucometer, etc.)
• Performs contraband checks under the direction of the RN in accordance with CCH Behavioral Health Services policies and procedures
• Keeps patient information confidential and respects patient's right to privacy in accordance with CCH policies and procedures and State and Federal regulations
• Assists with providing, structuring, and maintaining a therapeutic environment in collaboration with the patients, other mental health care providers, and other related hospital departments such as Dietary, Environmental Services, Lab, etc.
• Observes patients for escalating behavior, patient interactions, or any behavior that may affect the safety of the milieu. Reports these issues to an RN immediately and gives verbal input into patient's plan of care.
• Assists with crisis management procedures during clinical/medical emergencies
• Participates in the admissions process by completing the necessary components for Behavioral Health patient to be admitted
• Facilitates and/or participates in occupational, recreation, and patient-centered programs
• Escorts patients to other units, program areas, other hospital departments, or other locations as needed
• Facilitates community meetings and clinical groups
• Contributes to interdisciplinary team and treatment planning
• Supports additional services as necessary for patient care
• Maintains a safe and clean environment, reporting equipment out of order, cleaning and straightening bed side stands and tables, cleaning and maintaining utility, treatment, and nourishment areas
• Participates in Process Improvement activities
• Completes annual and mandated continuing education programs and training courses specific to providing behavioral health care for the population being treated
• Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers, and co-workers
• Performs other work-related duties as directed or requested

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English
• High School graduate or GED
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Human Service field preferred
• Successful passage of the written Cape Cod Hospital Mental Health Specialist exam (study guide provided)
• Must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
• One year (recent within the past 5 years) experience as a Mental Health worker, Mental Health assistant, or Nursing Assistant in a psychiatric facility
• One year (recent within the past 5 years) experience in a position with direct patient care within a nursing home, group home, substance, psychiatric setting, or general hospital

Schedule Details

24 Hours Per Week, Rotating Days, 7a-3p Rotating Weekends & Holidays

Organization

Cape Cod Hospital

Primary Location

Massachusetts-Hyannis

Department

CCH-Adult Psych Unit