Mental Health Worker, Per Diem All Shift, BHS Department

Day Kimball Health is seeking a per diem Medical Health Worker for the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Department in Putnam, CT. This role is available for all shifts.

Benefits

• Sick Time Accrual
• Pay-for-Performance Opportunities
• Shift Differentials – Additional pay for evening, night, or weekend shifts (where applicable)
• Career Pathways – Opportunities for internal growth, leadership development, and mentorship
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – With eligible employer contribution
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Perks – Recognition programs, Employee Wellness Initiatives, Food Truck Fridays, and Employee Appreciation Events
• Weekly Pay

About the Role

As the Mental Health Worker, you will be a vital member of a dynamic team responsible for assisting the Registered Nurse in providing direct patient care activities and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment in accordance with established methods and procedures. Your actions will consistently reinforce the Therapeutic Milieu Model. You will also perform clerical duties and facilitate the smooth functioning of the patient care unit.

Responsibilities

• Assists in meeting the physical needs of patients and attends to activities of daily living.
• Collects clinical data for the RNs to use in the assessment of the patient's mental and physiological status.
• Assists in the unit admission (e.g., search), transfer, and discharge procedures.
• Observes patients, their milieu, interactions, identifies changes, and reports any changes observed in patient's mental status or behaviors to the RN.
• Makes patient milieu safety rounds as assigned and documents patient's whereabouts.
• Must be trained and subsequently show competence in responding to events where a patient is out of control or exhibiting inappropriate behavior through the application of effective verbal and behavioral interventions, including restraining patients as directed.
• Facilitates patient group interactions and activities, utilizing all resources.
• Utilizes correct format for charting, documenting patient's response to interventions and milieu activities.
• Accurately transcribes physicians' orders, completes all necessary forms, requisitions, and communications required to implement orders, identifying STAT orders, recognizing and using hospital accepted codes when needed. Copies medication orders onto the medication sheets.
• Files diagnostic and laboratory reports accurately in the appropriate patient's chart after they have been seen by MD and/or RN.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency diploma required; B.A. preferred.
• CPR certification required.
• Successful completion of Crisis Intervention training required.
• One year of previous experience in Mental Health or a related field preferred.
• Computer experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a hospital environment preferred.

Skills

• Meets the physical demands of the position.
• Demonstrates ability to cope with and function under stress.
• Meets skill certification requirements for designated units.

About Day Kimball Health

For over 130 years, Day Kimball Health has been a trusted, nonprofit healthcare provider serving Northeastern Connecticut. What began as a small infirmary has grown into the region’s leading integrated healthcare system, recognized for delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Today, our team of over 1,100 dedicated employees—including more than 300 skilled physicians, surgeons, and specialists—proudly delivers a full continuum of care, from primary and specialty services to homecare and hospice, meeting the evolving needs of our patients at every stage of life.

What sets us apart is our commitment not only to the communities we serve but also to the people who power our mission. At Day Kimball Health, we cultivate a supportive, inclusive workplace culture where healthcare professionals are empowered to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful difference every day. Every voice is valued. Every contribution matters. Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or seeking your next opportunity, a career at Day Kimball Health offers more than a job—it’s a chance to build lasting relationships, give back to your community, and create impact beyond your shift.