Mental Health Worker-General Behavioral

About the Role

Responsible for providing assistance in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care on the behavioral health units under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Nurse Manager and established standards of practice and institutional policies. Delivers patient care through a multidisciplinary approach. Patients served include primarily adult, but also pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric.

The position is designed to be an active, contributing member of the Adult Behavioral Health Services interdisciplinary treatment team, offering psychiatric treatment and care. St. Luke’s C.A.R.E. delivery model (Continuity, Accountability, Relationship-based, Evidence-based) reflects a commitment to compassionate, competent care delivered by the interdisciplinary team through a therapeutic relationship with the patient and family.

Responsibilities

• Conduct all aspects of the job in an ethical manner, supporting the hospital’s commitment to ethical behavior.
• Complete hospital-wide orientation, annual competencies, and department/unit-specific competencies.
• Perform patient care functions as required and directed, contributing to patient assessment by collecting, reporting, and recording objective and subjective data, including:
  • Observation of patient condition or changes in condition.
  • Signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status.
• Assist with the admission process under RN/charge nurse direction, including unit tours, safety plans, and patient belongings.
• Participate in developing and modifying the plan of care by providing data, identifying priorities, and setting measurable patient-focused outcomes and goals.
• Provide health teaching and counseling, and integrate transfer/discharge planning into the overall care plan.
• Actively participate in patient staffing as an interdisciplinary team (IDT) member.
• Provide treatment and care consistent with institutional policies and established standards in collaboration with the RN and IDT team.
• Perform daily assessments and observations of patients, communicating findings to the responsible RN or mental health professional.
• Implement the treatment plan, orienting patients and families to the environment and treatment plan.
• Partner with the RN and multidisciplinary team to achieve patient progress toward outcomes identified in the treatment plan.
• Share in behavior management of patients, utilizing positive, least restrictive techniques (e.g., positive reinforcement, redirection, time out, verbal processing).
• Implement measures to promote a safe environment for patients and families, consulting with the RN or team as necessary.
• Report unsafe practices or conditions to the RN/Unit Manager and accept accountability for actions, judgments, and professional growth.
• Protect patient rights to privacy and confidentiality.
• Contribute to the formulation, interpretation, and evaluation of objectives and policies related to nursing practice.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills with healthcare team members.
• Utilize therapeutic interpersonal interventions in treatment (e.g., active listening, feedback, empathy, validation).
• Provide educational opportunities to patients, families, and healthcare associates under RN direction.
• Assist with discharge planning, coordinating aftercare, and reviewing the patient safety plan.
• Utilize one-to-one and group modalities in the provision of patient care.
• Provide skill development and teaching to patients and families within scope of practice.
• Demonstrate flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs.
• Assume responsibility for professional growth and development, assisting in the education of others.
• Participate in mandatory education, unit staff meetings, and performance improvement activities.
• Maintain current Behavior Management and BCLS certifications, complying with restraint/seclusion policies.
• Provide/facilitate crisis intervention in emergency situations according to established guidelines.
• Implement precautions (e.g., suicide, sexual) according to policy and communicate safety concerns.
• Follow unit procedures for rounds and hall monitoring, maintaining a safe and clean patient environment.
• Comply with infection control and risk management policies and procedures.
• Provide consultation regarding behavioral health issues to other hospital staff/departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as necessary to meet the hospital’s mission and vision.

Development & Patient Education

• Continue professional development and involvement in activities that enhance nursing practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research.
• Assess and choose teaching strategies appropriate to patients’ and families’ age-specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn, and comprehension level.
• Consult appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education.
• Demonstrate knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents, and infections, and reporting concerns immediately.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Benefits

• Competitive Total Rewards program offering benefits aligned with life stages and priorities, including:
  • Paid time off, parental leave, and paid holidays.
  • 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, short- and long-term disability.
  • Pet insurance for four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay.
  • Tuition reimbursement for career advancement.
  • Adoption assistance to grow your family.
• Culture of belonging where diversity is honored, and everyone feels valued and respected.
• Support and development opportunities to foster professional growth.

Schedule

• Full-time, 0.9 FTE (hours per pay period).
• Day/Evening rotation with every 4th weekend shift.