Mental Health Specialist - Short Term Unit

Summary

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Specialist provides direct patient care and supports a safe, therapeutic milieu.

Essential Functions

• Direct Patient Care
  • Assist the RN in providing direct patient care and completing patient care assignments.
  • Document AFS, progress notes, observation sheets, and other required information accurately and timely.
  • Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Participate in patient rounds, teams, and care planning as assigned.
  • Identify behaviors that may contribute to crisis situations and use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.
  • Support complex patient situations and schedules using department policies, procedures, and the least restrictive alternatives.
  • Communicate changes in patient status to the RN and follow Standards of Care and protocols for assigned patients.
  • Remain awake, alert, and attentive while on duty.
  • Perform Point of Care testing as assigned.
• Therapeutic Milieu Support
  • Participate in planning and implementing patient groups and therapeutic activities.
  • Provide direction, support, supervision, and recreation or off-hall activities based on patient needs.
  • Follow established Nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.
  • Monitor the milieu while assigned to checks, with attention to patient and staff safety.
• Safety and Unit Environment
  • Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for patients and staff.
  • Identify and report housekeeping, equipment, and supply concerns to appropriate unit staff.
  • Support unit inventory processes and report when supplies are low.
  • Encourage patient activities that support a clean, organized, and safe environment.
• Activities of Daily Living
  • Identify patient hygiene needs and assist with interventions to support daily living.
  • Support patients' nutritional needs according to unit procedures.
  • Assist and reassure patients during tests, exams, and procedures.
  • Escort and supervise patients on and off grounds while maintaining safety.
• Professional Growth and Competency
  • Complete mandatory in-service requirements and maintain competency for assigned patient populations.
  • Identify strengths and professional development opportunities with supervisor support.
  • Seek constructive feedback from peers, supervisors, and professional colleagues.
  • Participate in critical incident debriefing and related learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required (experience cannot be accepted in lieu of degree).
• One year of clinical experience preferred, preferably in a psychiatric setting (1-2 years preferred).
• Previous experience in direct patient care preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work in collaboration with others.
• Must complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire (80% or higher on training modules required).

Additional Details

Unit: Short Term Unit (AB1 North & South) focuses on depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-injurious behavior, trauma, and personality disorders. Also commonly sees comorbid substance use disorder, OCD, and eating disorders. Patient interactions and interventions are therapeutic, highly interpersonal, and skills-based.

Work Location: 115 Mill Street, Onsite

Scheduled Hours: 24 hours per week, Rotating shifts

Employee Type: Regular

Pay

$22.40 - $29.73 per hour (Grade MCL050)