Mental Health Worker Per Diem

Mental Health WorkerThe Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team. He/she implements clinical care responsibilities in accordance with inpatient psychiatry department policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse. The Mental Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients from ages 18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist must possess the knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient's age and developmental level in determining treatment needs.Department: Psych NursingSchedule: Per DiemEssential Responsibilities / Duties:Participates in crisis intervention through the use of verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per CPI technique and seclusion/restraint policies/proceduresAssists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriateLeads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groupsProvides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goalsGives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetingsContinuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RNConducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unitConducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieuIdentifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to dischargeVital signs, intake and output, activity of daily living statusGives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetingsShares observations and pertinent information with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregiversJob RequirementsEducation:High School Degree or GEDCertificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:Certification in basic life support (BLS)Experience:Patient care skills acquired through 1 year of previous direct patient care experienceKnowledge, Skills & Abilities:Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients, families and staffAbility to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient careHas the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including:Knowledge of growth and developmentProvide age-appropriate communicationCompensation Range: $18.42- $27.37Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans