Mental Health Worker

Major Responsibilities:

• Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients.
  •     1)Observes and listens to individual patients and/or group behavior, identifying the dynamics R/T the patient’s diagnosis.
  •     2)Facilitates therapeutic climate in the milieu by providing structure and limit setting as needed.
  •     3)Fosters therapeutic environment through verbal interactions, role modeling, and goal-directed activities.
• Assists patients needing physical care.
  •     1)Clarifies priorities in patient care with RN.
  •     2)Provides general patient care (hygiene, bathing, vital signs, etc.), as assigned.
  •     3)Collects specimens as assigned.
  •     4)Accompanies patients on off-unit privileges when appropriate.
• Maintenance of a safe environment.
  •     1)Incorporates policies, procedures, and unit-specific guidelines into direct and non-direct care tasks. Performs unit safety rounds per protocol.
  •     2)Assists in maintaining a safe environment that is developmentally and age appropriate for patient.
  •     3)Recognizes changes in the milieu and modifies the physical environment under the direction of the charge RN to promote safety. Assists in managing the milieu and de-escalating patients.
• Documents all pertinent information, accurately and completely.
  •     1)Utilizes proper interviewing techniques during patient admissions; completes all forms according to unit policy.
  •     2)Documents observations, communications, and interventions gathered from interactions with patients, including groups.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the multidisciplinary plan of care.
  •     1)Serves as a member of the treatment team through active participation in team meetings.
  •     2)Assists in the development of the plan of care and implements interventions.
  •     3)Communicates with other team members to promote optimum patient care.
• Initiates personal growth and professional development.
  •     1)Participates in inservices and continuous education programs as required.
  •     2)Seeks out resources to enable self-learning.
  •     3)Maintains required certification, competencies, and skills.
  •     4)Provides orientation to new employees as assigned.

Education/Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Must be able to communicate effectively in the English language.
• CPR certified. Demonstrates required competencies and skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift and transport patients, equipment, and other heavy items (up to 100 lbs.). Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints and in difficult situations. May be exposed to body substances and hazardous materials.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and days of the week, including weekends. Ability to flex hours in order to meet patient care needs. Physical ability to manage aggressive patients.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.