Mental Health Support Specialist

Job Summary The Mental Health Associate performs mental health patient care activities delegated by the clinical nurse. This person reports to the nurse manager for administrative and professional development purposes. Job Description Essential Responsibilities Observes and reports patients' physical, emotional and social behaviors. Initiates necessary changes in staff response. Assists patients with personal care, monitoring vital signs and weights, preparing lab specimens, supervising meals, routine and special patient observations (checks), maintaining a clean environment, transporting patient to activities and appointments. Teaches nonviolent crisis intervention techniques as directed by the nurse manager. Functions as the Legal Liaison for the unit. Required Qualifications High School diploma or GED required. Associate's degree preferred in Psychology, Counseling, or related field. 1-3 years related work experience required. Basic familiarity with computers. Ability to navigate at a basic level within web-based applications. Preferred Qualifications At least two years work experience in psychiatric setting. Competencies Written Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal and external customers. Oral Communications: Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families and external customers. Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations. Team Work: Ability to act as a team leader for small projects or work groups, creating a collaborative and respectful team environment and improving workflows. Results may impact the operations of one or more departments. Customer Service: Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem solving. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Age based Competencies Employees in this job must be competent to provide patient care to the following age groups: Young adult: 16-30 years, Middle Age: 30-60 years, Elderly: 60+. Physical Nature of the Job Very Heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 50 pounds of force continually. Employee is physically active in all elements of the job. Pay Range $20.50 - $28.70 The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law. As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled #J-18808-Ljbffr