Mental Health Specialist | Psych VW Substance Abuse | Part-Time | Variable

Overview

Join UF Health and be part of a team committed to exceptional patient care, innovation, and community impact. We are currently seeking a passionate individual who is eager to make a difference in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Location

UF Health Shands
1600 SW Archer Road
Gainesville, Florida 36210

Schedule

24hrs. per week

Employment Type

Part-Time

Responsibilities

• Assists nurse with data gathering and with elements of patient care.
• Organizes work based on unit needs and available resources.
• A) Supervises patient meals and snacks.
• B) Accurately performs and records routine and admission vital signs and weights/heights.
• C) Assists with collection of specimens.
• D) Documents patient data in accordance with unit protocol.
• E) Assists patients with activities of daily living.
• F) Keeps unit and patient rooms neat and orderly by storing patient belongings in appropriate places and cleaning and putting away patient equipment and care supplies.
• G) Identifies priorities for care for assigned patients.
• H) Reorganizes care priorities to: incorporate routine and unexpected admissions/discharges/transfers, respond to unanticipated changes in patient needs, facilitate adjustments in patient assignments, support the care needs of the patient/family, provide assistance to other staff.
• A) Reinforces client education encourages client completion of assignments, attendance at and participation in therapy and support groups.
• B) Observes client responses and reports to the interdisciplinary team.
• C) Promotes use of leisure activity facilities and other healthy lifestyle activities in conjunction with recreation therapist.
• D) Assists with community groups, psychoeducation groups or wrap up groups. Contributes to a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers by following established procedures and protocols.
• A) Monitors patients at risk for injury and institutes measures to prevent/reduce risk.
• B) Contributes to the prevention of infectious diseases among employees and patients by adhering to Infection Control Policies and Procedures.
• C) Reports all incidents and infection control variances to the nurse in charge. Completes incident forms and employee accident form, as needed.
• D) Reports environmental safety hazards including damaged and broken equipment. Corrects or removes hazards.
• E) Responds to patient requests and needs in a timely fashion.
• F) Initiates emergency measures as appropriate.
• G) Follows all unit protocols for precautions and special monitoring needs i.e. fall, suicide risk, elopement risk, seizure, etc.
• Communicates effectively with nurses, peers, interdisciplinary team and the patient/family to achieve desired patient outcomes.
• A) Verbal and written communication is clear and specific and purposeful.
• B) Completes appropriate forms thoroughly, accurately, and in required time frame.
• C) Utilizes therapeutic communication techniques to interact patients.
• D) Engages patients in individual and group activities to provide structure and to promote goal achievement.
• E) Facilitates clients in their use of problem-solving skills and in positive interactions with peers and members of the treatment team.
• F) Adheres to all confidentiality and privacy requirements, protecting patient rights per Baker Act.
• Contributes to the continuity of patient care under the direction of the nurse by:
• A) Implementing patient care activities as per care plan and procedures.
• B) Reinforcing patient and family education.
• C) Observing patient responses and reporting to nurse.
• D) Operating and trouble- shooting equipment as indicated for patient care needs.
• E) Utilizing written and electronic/computer systems to facilitate patient care.
• Demonstrates self-development and accountability for job responsibilities.
• A) Reports to work at scheduled time.
• B) Accepts assignment and is flexible regarding changes in priorities and care needs.
• C) Participates in activities to increase knowledge and skills as well as completes all mandatory requirements within required time frame.
• D) Participates constructively in staff meetings, both formal and informal.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, or its equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year college experience in Behavioral Health, Allied Health, Psychology, Social Sciences or related field preferred.
• If no college experience must have at least one year of Behavioral Health experience in an inpatient psychiatric or addiction medicine setting or experience as a CNA, EMT or equivalent in a related medical setting.
• Motor Vehicle Operator Designation (Required): (Refer to CP 1.51)
• Employee In This Position Will not operate vehicles for an assigned business purpose