Mental Health Worker Pedi PD

Senior Milieu Therapist

Under the general supervision of the Nurse Manager, Senior Milieu Therapist and Charge RN, is responsible for the care and safety of assigned children. As a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, assumes primary milieu therapist role. Is responsible for the input into the formulation of a therapeutic milieu treatment plan, and the implementation, observation and documentation of this program under the direction of the multidisciplinary team. Provides services to medically compromised and emotionally disturbed children / adolescents.

Responsibilities:

• Manages the structure of the day for significantly medically and emotionally unstable children.
• Leads a group of 6-10 pediatric patients who are struggling with severe medical and psychosocial issues through the structured components of their day.
• Creates, participates, demonstrates analytical skills and an understanding of psychiatric / medical illnesses and organizes therapeutic and recreational activities to meet the psychosocial and developmental needs for children ranging from 6-18 years of age.
• Participates in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Demonstrates ability to set consistent and supportive therapeutic limits within guidelines of hospital, unit, department and standards.
• Handles crisis situations in a safe, effective manner.
• Maintains and documents level of patient observation as ordered by the Multidisciplinary Team/Nurse Manager/Senior MT.
• Actively participates in the treatment planning process by attending multidisciplinary team rounds 4 days a week.
• Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patient/families as well as other members of the healthcare team.
• Consistently models to patient/ families appropriate and therapeutic interpersonal staff/patient interactions.
• Adheres to hospital, departmental and unit policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate Degree required. Baccalaureate Degree in a Human Service or related field preferred. Must demonstrate aptitude and willingness to learn role related skills. Current CPR certification. Current RIH Crisis Management certification or current enrollment. Understanding of body image, self-esteem and identity development issues particular to teenagers. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging process, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. One year of recent (within 3 years) experience in a pediatric environment ages 6-18. Experience with medically compromised and/or emotionally impaired children.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

General Hospital environment with occasional stressful conditions associated with children with emotional and behavioral disorders.

Independent Action:

Responds to individual patient-care situations demonstrating knowledge and skills acquired through education, certification and work experience.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None