Mental Health Specialist - Anchorage - Per Diem

Mental Health Specialist Opportunity

North Star Behavioral Health is one of Alaska's premier mental health facilities offering hope and healing for children, teens and adults who struggle with psychiatric or substance abuse issues. We also offer military-specific care to first responders, service members, veterans and dependents at the Chris Kyle Patriots Hospital. We provide an environment that puts patient care first through excellent care, comfort, and security to the patients and families we treat, at their most vulnerable times. When you work at North Star Behavioral Health, you are never alone, as you are part of a large network of peers and leaders that routinely exchange ideas and review current topics within the industry. With us, you have the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance in your career through robust continuing education opportunities and career advancement with UHS!

At North Star Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to delivering a level of care that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Our vision is simple yet profound: to provide care that patients enthusiastically recommend to their family and friends, care that physicians prefer for their patients, and care that our employees take pride in delivering every day. We uphold this vision by wholeheartedly embracing the following principles: Service Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Employee Development, Ethical and Fair Treatment, Teamwork, Compassion, and Innovation.

Our commitment to excellence isn't just a sloganit's a way of life at North Star Behavioral Health. If you share these values and are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families facing mental health challenges, we invite you to join our team. Benefits include: Challenging & Rewarding Work Environment, Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off, Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans, 401(K) with Company Match & Discounted Stock Plan, SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program, Career Development Opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries, and Tuition Assistance.

Role: Mental Health Specialist

As a Mental Health Specialist at North Star Behavioral Health, you are a valued member of our team dedicated to providing direct care to patients with psychiatric disorders. Your role is instrumental in ensuring the safety, well-being, and therapeutic environment for our patients. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Shift: 8-hour shifts, Minimum availability to work 3 days per month.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Patient Care: Provide compassionate and attentive direct care to patients with psychiatric disorders, addressing their physical and emotional needs.
• Safety and Well-being: Ensure the safety and well-being of patients by monitoring their behaviors, assisting with activities of daily living, and intervening when necessary to prevent harm.
• Therapeutic Milieu: Support the maintenance of a therapeutic milieu within the facility, creating a safe and supportive environment for patients' recovery.
• Observation and Reporting: Conduct regular patient observations, accurately document patient behaviors and responses, and promptly report any significant changes to the treatment team.
• Crisis Intervention: Assist in managing crisis situations, following established protocols to de-escalate and ensure the safety of patients and staff.
• Patient Engagement: Foster positive patient engagement by promoting a sense of trust, respect, and collaboration within the treatment team.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team, including clinicians, nurses, and other specialists, to provide holistic care and support to patients.
• Patient Advocacy: Act as an advocate for patients, ensuring their needs and concerns are communicated effectively within the team.
• Education and Support: Provide psychoeducation and support to patients, helping them develop coping skills and strategies for managing their mental health challenges.
• Crisis Prevention: Implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of crises and maintain a calm and therapeutic atmosphere.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions and interventions in compliance with facility policies and regulations.

Qualifications: 6 Months of experience in a direct mental health patient care role, preferred. Must be at least 21 years old.

One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues were $12.6 billion in 2021. During the year, UHS was again recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune; and listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 89,000 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries.

EEO Statement: All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.