Mental Health Specialist, Brockton Behavioral Health Center, 40 hours (Days)

POSITION SUMMARY:The Mental Health Specialist I is a member of the multidisciplinary patient treatment team. They implement clinical care responsibilities in accordance with unit/departmental policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a registered nurse.The Mental Health Specialist I must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients from ages 16 and above. The Mental Health Specialist I 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 IDepartment: Brockton-11Schedule: Full TimeESSENTIAL 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 goalsReads care plan entries on patients to ensure consistent and accurate delivery of careMeets with patient early in shift to review the schedule for the dayDuring the shift, talks with patient about mental status, behavior and progress patient is making towards identified treatment and discharge goalsThroughout the shift, reports pertinent information to 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 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 patient throughout shift to introduce self and review patient needsIdentifies patients teaching needs and reports them to the RNIdentifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to dischargeEncourages participation in therapeutic group programs and individualize behavior plansCo-leads patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goalsParticipates 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/or assists RN and Mental Health Specialist II with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unitClarifies and implements unit rules indicated in patient handbookContinuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RNProvides constructive peer feedbackAssists RN and Mental Health Specialist II in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriateCo-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 education plan in meeting learning needs with 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 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 to other members of the healthcare team and demonstrates overall teamwork spiritUtilizes professional problem-solving techniques to manage conflictMust adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT 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 REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION:Bachelor’s degree OR HS Diploma/GED and 2 years experience in the mental health/related field OR Mental Health Specialist certificateEXPERIENCE:Patient care skills acquired through one year of previous direct patient care experience preferredKNOWLEDGE 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 careAbility to work in a fast-paced settingHas the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including:knowledge of growth and developmentprovide age appropriate communicationdemonstrates strong professional boundariesEqual Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans