Mental Health Worker Days, 36 hours/week, every other weekend

Position: Mental Health Worker  

Department: 5 West

Schedule: Full Time, Days (7am-7:30pm), 36 hours/week, every other weekend      

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES: 

• Participates in crisis intervention using verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per training technique and seclusion/restraint policies/procedures 

• Assists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate 

• Leads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groups 

• Provides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goals 

• Gives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings 

• Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN 

• Conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit 

• Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu 

• Identifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge 

• Vital signs, intake and output, activity of daily living status 

• Gives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings 

• Shares observations and pertinent information with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregivers 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: 

• High School Degree or GED 

EXPERIENCE: 

• Patient care skills acquired through 1 year of previous direct patient care experience preferred 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: 

• Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients, families and staff 

• Ability to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient care 

• Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including: 

• Knowledge of growth and development 

• Provide age-appropriate communication