Mental Health Specialist 2

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Harborview Medical Center’s 5MB Psych ICU Department is hiring a Mental Health Specialist 2. The role supports patient and staff safety in the psychiatric intensive care unit by responding to crisis situations, contributing to patient assessments and discharge planning, and assisting patients with court-mandated treatment processes. The position is regular, scheduled for 36 hours per week on the night shift, with a 90% FTE. The listed pay range is $30.30–$43.41 per hour, with a $2.50-per-hour night shift premium. Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine. It serves patients throughout the Pacific Northwest, including vulnerable residents of King County, and provides specialized services including mental health and substance abuse care. UW Medicine describes its mission as improving public health through medical knowledge, outstanding care, and preparation of health professionals.

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 Washington state Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) or Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR).
The NAC or NAR must be held prior to employment.
Equivalent education or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements, such as 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 the patient discharge plan, and form.
Examine new patient belongings and remove hazardous objects, drugs, and other items that are dangerous or potentially dangerous to 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, such as delivery of 24-hour treatment notices.
Perform basic physical care and other tasks delegated by registered nurses.