Mental Health Specialist 2

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

8d•$30 - $43

About The Position

Harborview Medical Center’s 5MB Psych ICU Department is hiring a Mental Health Specialist 2 for a temporary, per-diem position on an alternate shift. The role supports patients and staff in the psychiatric intensive care unit, including during crises, patient assessment and discharge planning, safety checks, court-mandated treatment processes, and basic physical care delegated by registered nurses.

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 and active Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) or Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) with the state of Washington prior to employment.
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 and contribute to patient discharge plans and forms.
Examine new patients’ belongings and remove hazardous or potentially hazardous objects, drugs, and other items.
Check visitors and remove hazardous items that could put patients or staff at risk.
Participate in suicide assessments.
Alert nurses 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 with 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.