Mental Health Worker

Job Title

Under direction and supervision of Registered Nurse, assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) and behavioral coping skills, provides clinical intervention, and assists in maintenance of a safe and clean environment.

Job Responsibilities

Performs a variety of duties directly related to patient care:

• Initiates and encourages interactions with patients through conversation, activities, and other means. Encourages a therapeutic relationship with patients.
• Orients patient to unit and hospital. Provides factual information regarding treatment program.
• Assists and guides patients carrying-out personal hygiene and housekeeping activities.
• Assists and oversees patients at meal times.
• Escorts patients to appointments and scheduled activities off unit - within and outside hospital.
• Assists during admissions, discharges and/or transfers of patients.
• Assists RN in carrying out treatment procedures including, but not limited to restraining patient, vital signs and other directed tasks.
• Responds to medical and psychiatric emergencies with direction from RN. Administers Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), when necessary.
• Observes patient, as directed.
• Assumes responsibility for whereabouts and safety of patients on and off the unit and/or grounds, as directed.
• Co-leads group therapy and leads patient education and activity groups, as required.

Performs various reporting and recording duties including, but not limited to:

• Reporting observations of patient behavior to RN and other team members.
• Maintaining observation flow sheets for patient requiring various levels of supervision, i.e constant observation, routine rounds, every fifteen minute checks.
• Participating in nursing staff and team meetings by sharing observations and information.
• Receiving and/or transmitting telephone messages concerning patient care in absence of Unit Receptionist.
• Reporting observations of patients' interactions with visitors.

Performs a variety of duties related to maintenance of physical environment including, but not limited to:

• Reporting potential hazards to RN and taking necessary measures such as mopping wet areas, removing hazardous material or other remedial action in the event of an emergency.
• Transporting supplies such as laboratory specimens, food trays, drug baskets and other items to and from unit, as required.
• Collecting soiled linen and distributing fresh linen to patients unable to do so themselves.
• Maintaining general sanitary conditions on unit including washing patient's refrigerator and stove when necessary.

Accesses medication delivery and/or medication areas, as authorized, in the performance of required duties, as needed.

Performs related duties, as required

Job Qualification

Minimum of two (2) years of college, required. Concentration in pre-health science or psychology-related courses, preferred. OR Minimum of six (6) years related experience, required.

Previous experience with patient intervention in psychiatric setting, preferred.

Must be able to demonstrate CPR technique within orientation period.

Ability to lift, turn, position, and restrain patients, as required.

Ability to communicate effectively, required.