Mental Health Specialist - Overnight Shift

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT US

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

SUMMARY

The Mental Health Specialist provides age specific basic physical care and addresses spiritual and psychosocial needs of patients including cultural values, religious belief and barriers to learning intervention through the implementation of appropriate therapeutic approaches under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Promotes a therapeutic environment and participates in the total program according to the philosophy, goals and function of the hospital and the Department of Behavioral Health. Maintains treatment activities of the department in compliance with standards of practice, department and hospital policies and procedures, and regulatory standards: HFAP, IDPH,   and the Illinois Mental Health Code. The Mental Health Specialist primary responsibilities includes the provision of a safe and therapeutic milieu, facilitate groups, crisis intervention and activity of daily living.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Monitors unit milieu and maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients, family members and staff.

• Modifies treatment approach according to developmental/psychological needs of the patient to ensure patient and unit safety.

• Observes patients' behaviors, informs charge nurse of changes and implements interventions as directed by the nurse. 

• Documents patient's behaviors, affect and verbalization along with staff interventional and patient response to interventions in progress notes as assigned.

• Completes patient rounds timely in accordance with unit requirements and accurately documents patient's observations on the Patients Observation Record.

• Assist with admission process.

• Assist RN with admission of patients and completes all admission forms as assigned. 

• Thoroughly completes personal belonging search, contraband removal and body map. 

• Documents findings in patient record and shares outcome with the R.N. 

• Assist patient with discharge and supervises collection of all patient belongings.