Mental Health Specialist, Behavioral Health Center, 32 Hours Nights

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team. He/she implements clinical care responsibilities in accordance with inpatient psychiatry department policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse.
The Mental Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients from ages 18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist must possess the knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient's age and developmental level in determining treatment needs.
Position:

Mental Health Specialist
Department:

Brockton
Schedule:

32 Hours (Nights)
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:
At the beginning of shift, attends shift report, reads all progress notes, test results and other patient data to determine patient status for past several shifts.

Reviews and implements treatment plan/behavior management plan to achieve patient goals

Reads treatment plans and daily mental status assessments on patients to ensure consistent and accurate delivery of care

Meets with patient early in shift to review the schedule for the day

During the shift, talks with patient about mental status, behavior and progress patient is making towards identified treatment and discharge goals

Throughout the shift, reports pertinent information to charge RN such as:

Level of safety

Changes in behavior

Increase in agitation

Physical complaints or any signs of physical illness

Vital signs, intake and output, activity of daily living status

Gives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings

Shares observations and pertinent information with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregivers

Documents patient activities, behavior and mental status each shift as it relates to the problem list and treatment plan

Conducts individual contacts with patient throughout shift to introduce self and review patient needs

Identifies patients teaching needs and reports them to the RN

Identifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge

Encourages participation in therapeutic group programs and individualize behavior plans

Provides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of 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/procedures

Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu

On admission, conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit

Clarifies and implements unit rules indicated in patient handbook

Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN

Provides constructive peer feedback

Orients new staff to unit under the direction of the RN

Assists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate

Serves as role model for other mental health counselors

Leads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groups

Preserves patient rights relative to all aspects of patient care

Attends and participates in unit-based meetings and reads minutes when absent

Completes annual mandatory education and accepts responsibility for developing education plan in meeting learning needs with nurse manager

Demonstrates 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 skill

Promotes improvement of unit program through individual, committee, or quality assurance activities i.e., completing patient profiles, task force membership, quality assurance monitoring, and unit based supporting activities

Assists in maintaining a clean, safe and respectful environment

Demonstrates assertive, professional and constructive communication to other members of the healthcare team and demonstrates overall teamwork spirit

Utilizes professional problem-solving techniques to manage conflict

Must 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
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree OR HS Diploma/GED and 2 years experience in the mental health/related field OR Mental Health Specialist certificate
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 staff

Ability to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient care

Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including:

knowledge of growth and development

provide age appropriate communication

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans