Mental Health Assistant

This is a Full-time direct care, entry-level position, responsible for a variety of duties relating to and primarily concerned with implementing the students' and clients' treatment and educational programs. These direct care individuals provide the basic staff coverage necessary for attending to the students/ clients at the school, residential, and workshop programs. The position affords a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience with and knowledge of the current methods for treating the problems of emotionally disturbed students and clients with conduct, behavior, emotional, and/psychiatric problems as well as those with intellectual disabilities or on the autism spectrum. This position reports to the Teachers, Weekend Supervisors, Residential Supervisors, Workshop Coordinator and Monitoring/QC staff. It is an hourly non-exempt position. Hours of work are assigned on a weekly basis and can be comprised of any day or shift necessary to assure adequate staffing, including weekends, nights, and holidays.

Educational/Work History Requirements:

High School diploma, or equivalent.

Prior experience in human services/education preferred but not required.

Stamina and physical endurance for a physically demanding schedule.

Candidates should possess excellent problem solving, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Must be able to function with moderate supervision.

Essential Duties of the Position:

1. Must be willing to learn about the JRC students/clients, their disabilities and the forms of treatment provided at JRC.
2. Must be willing to be responsible for the safety and welfare of the JRC students/clients.
3. Must be able to understand the gravity of their responsibility for the safety and care of the JRC students/clients and be willing to perform their duties diligently.
4. Must be able to work consistently for entire shift, with a break.
5. When necessary must be able to physically restrain assaultive students/clients (with possible assistance of one or several staff members) after training.
6. Must be able to transport non-ambulatory students/clients (pushing wheelchair, carrying up and down stairs, lifting in and out of bathtub, etc.)
7. Must be able to carry, using approved safety care techniques or transport uncooperative students/clients, with and without assistance.
8. Must be able to attend various athletic events with students/clients, i.e. roller-skating, basketball, Special Olympics, etc.
9. Must be able to watch remote camera monitors for several hours at a time (remaining in seat or standing, and watching screen).
10. Must be able to prepare meals for and with students/clients.
11. Must be able to complete housekeeping chores such as laundry, washing floors, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, etc.
12. Engages in incidental learning whenever possible.
13. Rewards and evaluates staff members as needed.
14. Must report any damage (to include property that has been exposed to any bodily fluids/secretions) to JRC property on End of Shift form.
15. Report any problems/suggestions to immediate supervisor. Report to next supervisor in line if no results are achieved with immediate supervisor.
16. Must be able to shower and bathe students, even if uncooperative.
17. Participates in at least 2.5 hours per month (a total of 30 per year) of In-Service training.
18. Must be able to carry out each students/clients individual program as outlined.
19. Must be able to speak clearly in English to students/clients.
20. Responsible for inputting information into various online databases and forms. Basic software skills and effective written communication skills are required.
21. Must be able to hear other staff persons in a noisy classroom when they speak, even if not looking at them.
22. Must have a "strong stomach" because students/clients may defecate inappropriately; smear feces on objects and on staff, and vomit on themselves or staff. Cleaning the student/client is required in these situations.
23. Must be able to react quickly and possess good peripheral vision in order to insure safety of students/clients.
24. Must have a working telephone where direct care worker can be reached and where they can contact JRC.
25. Must be available to work "on-call" as required.
26. Must be available for an intensive training period and able to pass quizzes (grade of 80% or better).
27. Must possess basic computer skills to carry out job duties.
28. Responsible for completing recording sheets, health sheets, etc. accurately.
29. Responsible for reporting abuse to JRC and appropriate agencies.
30. Responsible for reading posts on the Discussion Board. Required to post a minimum of 3 messages per quarter on the Discussion Board.
31. May be required to act as "Head of Provider" or "Authorized Staff Person," when needed to monitor and approve emergency restraint.
32. May be required to act as "Staff in Attendance."
33. May be required to accompany and supervise students/clients in JRC swimming pools; while implementing student/client programs.

Demonstrated Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
• Exhibit the ability to react to student anger in a calm, detached, assertive manner.
• Exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Exhibit respect for the confidentiality and dignity of our students.

Physical Demands of Position:

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English.
• 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20 with corrective lenses.
• Ability to stand and walk for at least 80% of the workday.
• Ability to sit for at least 20% of the workday.
• Position involves kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, crawling, and handling during the treatment process.
• Ability to lift up to 200 lbs. with assistance
• Normal depth perception is required.
• All entry level staff may be required to work both weekend days and all holidays.