Mental Health Worker

About the Role

Under direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) and behavioral coping skills, provides clinical intervention, and assists in maintenance of a safe and clean environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of duties directly related to patient care:
  • Initiate and encourage interactions with patients through conversation, activities, and other means.
  • Encourage a therapeutic relationship with patients.
  • Orient patients to the unit and hospital.
  • Provide factual information regarding the treatment program.
  • Assist and guide patients in carrying out personal hygiene and housekeeping activities.
  • Assist and oversee patients at meal times.
  • Escort patients to appointments and scheduled activities off the unit, within and outside the hospital.
  • Assist during admissions, discharges, and/or transfers of patients.
  • Assist the RN in carrying out treatment procedures including, but not limited to, restraining patients, vital signs, and other directed tasks.
  • Respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies with direction from the RN.
  • Administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), when necessary.
  • Observe patients, as directed.
  • Assume responsibility for the whereabouts and safety of patients on and off the unit and/or grounds, as directed.
  • Co-lead group therapy and lead patient education and activity groups, as required.
• Perform various reporting and recording duties including, but not limited to:
  • Report observations of patient behavior to the RN and other team members.
  • Maintain observation flow sheets for patients requiring various levels of supervision, i.e., constant observation, routine rounds, every fifteen-minute checks.
  • Participate in nursing staff and team meetings by sharing observations and information.
  • Receive and/or transmit telephone messages concerning patient care in the absence of the Unit Receptionist.
  • Report observations of patients' interactions with visitors.
• Perform a variety of duties related to maintenance of the physical environment including, but not limited to:
  • Report potential hazards to the RN and take necessary measures such as mopping wet areas, removing hazardous material, or other remedial action in the event of an emergency.
  • Transport supplies such as laboratory specimens, food trays, drug baskets, and other items to and from the unit, as required.
  • Collect soiled linen and distribute fresh linen to patients unable to do so themselves.
  • Maintain general sanitary conditions on the unit, including washing the patient's refrigerator and stove when necessary.
• Access medication delivery and/or medication areas, as authorized, in the performance of required duties, as needed.
• Perform related duties, as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of college, required. Concentration in pre-health science or psychology-related courses, preferred. OR Minimum of six (6) years related experience, required.
• Previous experience with patient intervention in a psychiatric setting, preferred.
• Must be able to demonstrate CPR technique within orientation period.
• Ability to lift, turn, position, and restrain patients, as required.
• Ability to communicate effectively, required.

Additional Salary Detail

The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member's base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget, and internal equity).