Mental Health Specialist - Brockton Behavioral Health Center (Per Diem)

Position Summary

The Mental Health Specialist is a multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team member. They implement clinical care responsibilities by inpatient psychiatry department policies, procedures, and standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse.

The Mental Health Specialist must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients ages 18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist must know and be able to gather data about the patient’s age and developmental level in determining treatment needs.

Position: Mental Health Specialist

Department

Schedule: Part Time, Per Diem (Rotating Days, Evenings, Nights; Weekdays, Weekends, Holidays, When Needed)

Essential Responsibilities / Duties

At the beginning of the shift, attends shift report and read all progress notes, test results, and other patient data to determine patient status for the past several shifts.Reviews and implements treatment plan/behavior management plan to achieve patient goalsReads treatment plans and daily mental status assessments on patients to ensure consistent and accurate delivery of careMeets with the patient early in the shift to review the schedule for the dayDuring the shift, talk with the patient about mental status, behavior, and progress the patient is making toward identified treatment and discharge goalsThroughout the shift, report pertinent information to the charge RN, such as:Level of safetyChanges in behaviorIncrease in agitationPhysical complaints or any signs of physical illnessVital signs, intake and output, activity of daily living statusGives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetingsShares observations and pertinent information with a social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregiversDocuments patient activities, behavior, and mental status each shift as it relates to the problem list and treatment planConducts individual contacts with patients throughout shift to introduce self and review patient needsIdentifies patients teaching needs and reports them to the RNIdentifies issues related to progress toward discharge or any barriers to dischargeEncourages participation in therapeutic group programs and individualized behavior plansProvides patient/family education and support regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization, and therapeutic interventions to support meeting those goals.Participates in crisis intervention through the use of verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per CPI technique and seclusion/restraint policies/proceduresConducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieuOn admission, conducts and assists RN with the patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight, and orientation to the unitClarifies and implements unit rules indicated in the patient handbookContinuously evaluates patient progress toward goals evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report, and report to charge RNProvides constructive peer feedbackOrients new staff to the unit under the direction of the RNAssists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate.Serves as a role model for other mental health counselorsLeads and co-leads therapeutic process-oriented and activity groupsPreserves patient rights relative to all aspects of patient careAttends and participates in unit-based meetings and reads minutes when absentCompletes annual mandatory education and accepts responsibility for developing an education plan to meet learning needs with the nurse managerDemonstrates ability to accept and respond to feedback regarding clinical and professional issues from peers and nurse manager and utilizes the feedback to improve practice and skillPromotes improvement of the unit program through individual, committee, or quality assurance activities, i.e., completing patient profiles, task force membership, quality assurance monitoring, and unit-based supporting activitiesAssists in maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful environmentDemonstrates assertive, professional, and constructive communication with other members of the healthcare team and demonstrates overall teamwork spiritUtilizes professional problem-solving techniques to manage conflictMust adhere to all of BMC’s Values and Behavioral Standards

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift 30 pounds

Education

HS Diploma or GED and 2 years experience in the mental health/related fieldOr a Bachelor’s DegreeOr HS Diploma/GED and Mental Health Specialist Certificate/or equivalent

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required

Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) required upon start date

Experience

Patient care skills acquired through one year of previous direct patient care experience preferred

Knowledge And Skills

Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients, families, and staffAbility to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient careHas the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served, including knowledge of growth, development, and providing age-appropriate communication

Training

Within 30 days of hire, completion of CPI and AVADE Training is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans