Mental Health Specialist, Brockton Behavioral Health, 8 Hours (Weekends)

Position Summary

The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team. He/she implements clinical care responsibilities in accordance with inpatient psychiatry department policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse. The Mental Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients from ages 18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist must possess the knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient’s age and developmental level in determining treatment needs.

About the Role

At the beginning of shift, attends shift report, reads all progress notes, test results and other patient data to determine patient status for past several shifts.

Reviews and implements treatment plan/behavior management plan to achieve patient goals.

Reads treatment plans and daily mental status assessments on patients to ensure consistent and accurate delivery of care.

Mets with patient early in shift to review the schedule for the day.

During the shift, talks with patient about mental status, behavior and progress patient is making towards identified treatment and discharge goals.

Meets with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregivers to share observations and pertinent information.

Documents patient activities, behavior and mental status each shift as it relates to the problem list and treatment plan.

Conducts individual contacts with patient throughout shift to introduce self and review patient needs.

Identifies patients teaching needs and reports them to the RN.

Identifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge.

Encourages participation in therapeutic group programs and individualize behavior plans.

Provides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goals.

Participates in crisis intervention through the use of verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per CPI technique and seclusion/restraint policies/procedures.

Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu.

On admission, conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit.

Clarifies and implements unit rules indicated in patient handbook.

Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN.

Provides constructive peer feedback.

Orients new staff to unit under the direction of the RN.

Aids RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate.

Serves as role model for other mental health counselors.

Led and co-led therapeutic process oriented and activity groups.

Promotes improvement of unit program through individual, committee, or quality assurance activities i.e., completing patient profiles, task force membership, quality assurance monitoring, and unit based supporting activities.

Aids in maintaining a clean, safe and respectful environment.

Demonstrates assertive, professional and constructive communication to other members of the healthcare team and demonstrates overall teamwork spirit.

Utilizes professional problem-solving techniques to manage conflict.

Essential Responsibilities / Duties

• At the beginning of shift, attends shift report, reads all progress notes, test results and other patient data to determine patient status for past several shifts.
• Reviews and implements treatment plan/behavior management plan to achieve patient goals.
• Reads treatment plans and daily mental status assessments on patients to ensure consistent and accurate delivery of care.
• Mets with patient early in shift to review the schedule for the day.
• Talks with patient about mental status, behavior and progress patient is making towards identified treatment and discharge goals.
• Meets with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregivers to share observations and pertinent information.
• Documents patient activities, behavior and mental status each shift as it relates to the problem list and treatment plan.
• Conducts individual contacts with patient throughout shift to introduce self and review patient needs.
• Identifies patients teaching needs and reports them to the RN.
• Identifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge.
• Encourages participation in therapeutic group programs and individualize behavior plans.
• Provides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goals.
• Participates in crisis intervention through the use of verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per CPI technique and seclusion/restraint policies/procedures.
• Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu.
• On admission, conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit.
• Clarifies and implements unit rules indicated in patient handbook.
• Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN.
• Provides constructive peer feedback.
• Orients new staff to unit under the direction of the RN.
• Aids RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate.
• Serves as role model for other mental health counselors.
• Led and co-led therapeutic process oriented and activity groups.
• Promotes improvement of unit program through individual, committee, or quality assurance activities i.e., completing patient profiles, task force membership, quality assurance monitoring, and unit based supporting activities.
• Aids in maintaining a clean, safe and respectful environment.
• Demonstrates assertive, professional and constructive communication to other members of the healthcare team and demonstrates overall teamwork spirit.
• Utilizes professional problem-solving techniques to manage conflict.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR HS Diploma/GED and 2 years experience in the mental health/related field OR Mental Health Specialist certificate
• Patient care skills acquired through one year of previous direct patient care experience preferred
• Knowledge and Skills
• Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients, families and staff
• Ability to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient care
• Knowledge of growth and development
• Provide age appropriate communication

Skills

• Knowledge of growth and development
• Provide age appropriate communication

Benefits

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.

Pay

$22.84 - $31.97

Schedule

8 Hours (Weekends)