Mental Health Worker

Mental Health Worker Position

Mental Health Workers (MHWs) at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility play a vital role in supporting the care, safety, and stabilization of adult patients in an acute inpatient behavioral health setting. Working under the supervision of the Mental Health Worker Manager and in collaboration with the nursing and clinical teams, MHWs assist with daily care routines, therapeutic engagement, and clinical support tasks.

Responsibilities include monitoring patient safety through regular rounds, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), supporting patients during meals, helping with vital signs, and contributing to the admission and discharge process. MHWs also lead and participate in group activities, document patient behaviors and participation, and respond to crises or behavioral escalations as needed. This role requires empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining a therapeutic and secure environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct care and support to patients, promoting independence in hygiene, grooming, and other activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Assist patients during meal and snack times, encouraging healthy routines and proper nutrition
• Conduct and assist with 15-minute safety checks (Q15 rounds) and ensure timely documentation of patient observations
• Assist nursing staff with vital signs monitoring and other routine clinical support tasks
• Support the admission and discharge process by helping patients transition safely and comfortably, including inventory of belongings and orientation to the unit
• Supervise and engage patients during therapeutic groups, recreational activities, and structured social interactions
• Accurately document patient participation, behavior, and progress in the medical record in accordance with facility policies and regulatory standards
• Observe and promptly report changes in patients' physical or psychiatric condition to the Charge Nurse or appropriate clinical staff
• Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment for patients, visitors, and staff
• Assist with crisis management, including de-escalation and physical containment procedures when clinically indicated and authorized
• Handle clinical documentation in a timely, accurate, and confidential manner, adhering to all applicable privacy and compliance guidelines
• Demonstrate understanding and be compliant with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Proficiency in obtaining and recording vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration) in accordance with clinical protocols
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or hospital setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable)
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments
• Demonstrated sound professional judgment; clinical judgment where applicable to licensure/role.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
• Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of at least two (2) years of coursework in a related field from an accredited college and/or certification as a Medical Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, behavioral health, public health, or a related field
• Ability to safely perform containment, escort, and physical intervention procedures with patients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behavior, in accordance with facility protocols and training
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a behavioral health, healthcare, or related human-services setting (role-specific equivalent acceptable)
• Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and coordination of care
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and/or cloud-based communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, or other languages commonly spoken by the patient population
• Crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., HWC, CPI, PMAB) or de-escalation certification
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Title 22, and other applicable regulatory standards
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and culturally responsive practices
• Leadership experience or demonstrated capacity to mentor others (if applicable to the role)

Benefits:

• $2.00/hour shift differential for eligible NOC (overnight) shifts
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for qualifying employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization

Physical & Mental Requirements:

• Independent body mobility to frequently stand, walk long distance corridors, descend and the ability to bend, stoop and sit for a prolonged time.
• May require significant strength and alertness in a crisis to apply non-violent crisis intervention to containment techniques, or to provide CPR.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely assist with the physical management, lifting, or repositioning of adult patients, including those who may be physically resistive or assaultive, potentially weighing 100 pounds or more, in accordance with facility safety protocols and training.
• Manual dexterity to reach, grasp, manipulate small objects, and precision instruments to give injections, take pulse and blood pressure; manual dexterity to hand write or use computer keyboard; sufficient vision to read gauges, thermometers, calibrated measuring instruments, labels on medications, and a computer screen; hear and speak well enough to communicate with patients at normal conversation level in person and over the phone.
• May require fit testing for N95 respirator/facemask.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments

Environmental Requirements:

Depending on assignment of position may be required to work in a locked unit with juveniles, formerly incarcerated, and individuals assigned to guardianship who have complex social, and psycho-social needs; may be assigned to evening or night shift, assigned to work weekends, and to work holidays as needed as Ocean View is a 24-hour, 7 day a week facility and coverage is essential; environment can be noisy and sporadically chaotic, and may be exposed to hostile patients and profanity.

Special Conditions:

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting, background check clearance, and verification of required licenses, certifications, and education
• Satisfactory completion of professional reference checks
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Ocean View does not provide visa sponsorship for certain roles unless otherwise specified
• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), The Joint Commission, and HIPAA standards
• Compliance with all required health screenings and immunizations in accordance with regulatory guidelines and facility policy, which may include tuberculosis (TB) testing, N95 fit testing, annual trainings, and proof of vaccination for certain communicable diseases
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or variable shifts as needed, based on operational or patient care needs.