Mental Health Specialist 2

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Harborview Medical Center’s 5WA Psychiatry Department is hiring a Mental Health Specialist 2. The role supports patient safety and care on the psychiatry unit by responding to crises, contributing to patient assessment and discharge planning, monitoring patient behavior, and assisting with court-mandated treatment processes. The position is a regular role scheduled for 32 hours per week on the day shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience as a Mental Health Specialist I or equivalent; experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Valid, active Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) or Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) with the State of Washington.
Equivalent education or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements, such as a license, certification, or registration, apply.

Responsibilities

Respond to and participate in Code Gray alerts and other crisis situations, secure patients in the unit, assist staff in responding safely to emergencies, and follow the charge nurse’s directives.
Participate in crisis intervention and crisis prevention training.
Participate in the team’s patient assessment, contribute to patient discharge planning, and form examination of new patient belongings.
Examine new patient belongings and remove hazardous objects, drugs, and other items that may endanger the patient’s health.
Check visitors and remove hazardous items that could put patients or staff at risk.
Participate in suicide assessments.
Alert the nurse to changes in patient behavior or demeanor, and observe and report signs of patient distress.
Deliver notices to patients regarding court procedures and treatment, and assist patients in completing court paperwork.
Assist patients in obtaining treatment through court-mandated processes, including delivery of 24-hour treatment notices.
Perform basic physical care and other tasks delegated by registered nurses.