Mental Health Specialist - Older Adult Unit

Summary
Under direction of the Registered Nurse, the MHS provides direct patient care and participates in therapeutic milieu

Does this position require Patient Care?
Yes

Essential Functions
-Assists the RN in providing direct patient care.


-1Accurate and timely documentation of AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets.


-2Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients, maintaining professional boundaries.


-3Participates in patient rounds or teams.


-4Completes patient care assignments.


-5Identifies patient behaviors that contribute to the development of a crisis; utilizes non-verbal and verbal.


-Techniques to de-escalate crisis situation.


-6Intervenes in managing complex patient situations and patient schedules, utilizing department policies and procedures, always promoting the least restrictive alternatives.


-7Communicates changes in patient status to RN.


-8Follows Standards of Care and protocols for assigned patients.


-9Remains awake and alert at all times while on the job.


-10Performs Point of Care testing (POC).


-Works effectively in the therapeutic milieu.


-1Participates in planning and implementation of patient groups.


-2Provides and supervises recreation and other off-hall activities according to needs.


-3Provides patients with direction, support, and supervision as needed.


-4Follows established Nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.


-5Active milieu assessment while assigned to checks, particularly attuned to safety concerns.


-Participates in the maintenance of the unit environment to ensure safe care.


-1Identifies and reports house cleaning problems to Unit Secretary/ND.


-2Identifies and reports equipment problems to Unit Secretary/ND.


-3Participates in the unit's inventory system, reporting when supplies are low.


-4Initiates activities that assist patients in maintaining a clean environment.


-5Initiates activities that promote an organized, safe patient and staff environment.


-Assists patients in their activities of daily living.


-1Identifies patient hygiene needs; initiates and implements interventions to meet these needs.


-2Provides for patients' nutritional needs according to unit procedure.


-3Assists and reassures patients during tests, exams, and procedures.


-4Escorts and supervises patients on and off ground, maintaining patient safety.


-Maintains a commitment to professional growth and competency.


-1Completes mandatory in-service requirements.


-2Identifies areas of strengths and areas in need of professional development with supervisor.


-3Maintains competency for treating age-specific patient populations.


-4Seeks constructive feedback, regarding work performance, from peers and professional colleagues.


-5Participates in critical incident de-briefing.

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Experience
One year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting 1-2 years preferred and Previous experience in direct patient care preferred 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.
- Successful passing (80% or higher) of Epic training modules(s) is a minimum requirement of the job.

On the Older Adult Unit (SB1) we provide care for adults ages 50 and older who are struggling with depression, anxiety, neurocognitive disorders, and related symptoms and conditions.

The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.