Mental Health Assistant

Department: Behavioral Health Care Center SVH
Exempt: No
Schedule: DAYS - VARIABLE
Position Type: Full Time 0.6 FTE or More
FTE: 0.750000
Base Wage $24.32 to $35.30
Location: Skagit Valley Hospital

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary

Supports the therapeutic team by providing clinical support through implementation of individual treatment plans. Works effectively and cooperatively within the workplace. Location/Department specific tasks and competencies may apply. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay. All Skagit Regional Health facilities follow SRH's standard employment policy regarding background checks, which may vary depending on the nature of the position. WAC 246.341.0420(17)(a)

Essential Functions

Actively participate in all team, clinical, group and community meetings. Document patient information in medical record. Collect vital signs as directed by RN. Orient patients to the environment upon admission. Document patient belongings as part of the intake process. May assist in data collection to support quality improvement as directed by the organization/unit. Maintain the ability to manage patients experiencing psychiatric crisis through utilizing appropriate de-escalation techniques. Maintain the ability to motivate patients, through individual and group activities. Maintain knowledge of basic psychiatric terminology. Utilize strong observation skills related to changes in patient and milieu environment. Maintain ability to work within a physically demanding environment including: to push wheelchairs, stretchers and lift, position, and assist while restraining patients according to hospital policy. Remain competent in conducting a suicidal and violence screening. Maintain ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office (Outlook) and department specific software applications to perform work. Communicate effectively and cooperatively in the workplace. Actively contribute to the achievement of Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. Complete all mandatory learning requirements in a timely manner. Maintain current licensure and/or certification as required. Attend and actively participate in all department, team and/or committee meetings. Comply with all Skagit Regional Health, department and location specific policies and procedures. Works with Psychiatric patients in the Mental Health Center and the Emergency Department. Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.

Education

Associate's degree in Psychology, Social Work or behavioral health related field preferred.

Experience/Training

Minimum two (2) years patient care experience in a hospital setting preferred. Experience in Mental Health preferred.

License/Certifications

An Agency Affiliated Counselor application must be submitted to WA State DOH within the first thirty (30) days of employment. Current American Heart Association (AHA) healthcare provider BLS certification required. Hospital de-escalation training required.

Other Skills

Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required. Must be able to effectively utilize Microsoft Office applications to perform work. Well-developed problem solving and analytical skills required. Must be able to effectively prioritize workload amongst frequent interruptions with competing priorities. Demonstrated ability to manage patients through appropriate utilization of de-escalation techniques. Ability to motivate patients through individual and group activities. Must possess a working knowledge of basic psychiatric terminology. Must be able to work in a physically demanding environment. Demonstrates competency in conducting suicidal and violence screening. Ability to coordinate work schedule with requirements of position (may include overtime and weekend work).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.