Inpatient Mental Health Specialist

About Children's Minnesota

Children's Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children's Minnesota is one system serving kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics and seven rehabilitation sites. As The Kids Experts™ in our region, Children's Minnesota is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children's hospital. Children's Minnesota is proud to be recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2023's Top Diversity Leaders.

Department Overview

Our St Paul Mental Health Unit is a 22-bed unit that serves patients in a mental health crisis. We range from 6-years of age to 18-years of age. Our patients have an average length of stay ranging from five to seven days. Patients are cared for by strong inter-disciplinary teams that include program therapists, registered nurses, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, music therapist, art therapist, child life specialist, unit operations coordinator and mental health specialists. We rely on teamwork, with open and respectful communication, and promote an environment that encourages learning and professional growth. Our team is committed to providing excellent care to our patients and families.

Position Summary

The Mental Health Specialist is responsible for providing direct patient care to children and adolescents with behavioral challenges or a mental health diagnosis based on the individual treatment plan. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, they assist with collecting data regarding a patient's physical, psychological, or safety status on an ongoing basis. The Mental Health Specialist may assist patients in establishing daily therapeutic goals or participate in facilitation of therapeutic patient groups. They are responsible for continually monitoring the department milieu and patient spaces to assess for any potential hazards or personal patient safety concerns. Utilizing a therapeutic approach, the Mental Health Specialist may assist with de-escalation or implementing behavioral modification and management when appropriate. This role may float to provide care and support for all mental health patients throughout the mental health care continuum including outside the inpatient mental health unit within the Children's MN system.

License/Certification/Registration: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required

Education: Bachelor's degree required

Experience: One year of experience working with patients in a pediatric healthcare setting preferred Experience working with children with behavioral dysregulation, autism, intellectual or cognitive impairments, or developmental delays is preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Education and experience providing gender, culture, and age appropriate care Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to display a professional attitude in all aspects of performance Ability to develop rapport with wide variety of patients and families

Physical Demands

Please click here to view the Physical Demands The posted salary represents a market competitive range based on salary survey benchmark data for similar roles in the local or national market. Annual salaries displayed are based on full-time employment (40 standard hrs per week). Annual salaries for part-time positions will be prorated based on the employee's scheduled weekly hours in relation to the full-time standard. When determining individual pay rates, we carefully consider a wide range of factors including but not limited to market indicators for the specific role, the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate, internal equity and organizational needs. In addition to your salary, this position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other fringe benefits. Positions that require night, weekend or on-call work may be eligible for shift differentials or premium pay. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of an occupational health assessment, drug screen, background investigation, and compliance with the U.S. Government Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Children's Minnesota is proud to be an equal opportunity employer whose staff is representative of its community and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.