Mental Health Specialist I - Child Unit - Evenings

Nationwide Children's Hospital • Columbus, OH

4d

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist I provides basic supportive, trauma-informed care to assigned patients and families under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or clinical supervisor. The role is on the Child Unit during the evening shift, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., at 0.6 FTE (24 hours per week). Every other Saturday and Sunday are required. The specialist may be expected to float to other Behavioral Health nursing units as needed at the direction of leadership.

The position participates in specialized patient care with the interdisciplinary team, establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and families, and supports safety through de-escalation, limit setting, and physical interventions. The specialist collaborates with healthcare professionals on treatment plans and serves as a resource to unit staff on diagnoses, behavior plans, relationship-based care, protective equipment, and crisis management.

The starting rate is $20.16 per hour, with potential for higher pay based on relevant experience, plus a $1.80 evening shift differential and an additional $1.80 shift differential on weekends.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current enrollment in and completion of half of a Psychology, Social Work, or related undergraduate program, or equivalent experience.
• One year of hospital experience in a mental health role within the past three years, or equivalent education.
• Effective written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association before completion of unit-based orientation, due within 90 days of hire, and maintained thereafter.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification, provided by the organization, before completion of unit-based orientation, due within 90 days of hire, and maintained thereafter.
• First Aid certification, provided by the organization, before completion of unit-based orientation, due within 90 days of hire, and maintained thereafter.
• Ability to perform therapeutic crisis intervention moves, wear and function in helmets and other safety equipment, respond rapidly physically when needed, and apply body mechanics when lifting or moving patients or equipment.
• Ability to move or reposition patients of any weight or size with assistance from another person or equipment.

Responsibilities

• Participate with the interdisciplinary team in specialized patient care and provide care to an assigned patient group as delegated.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients and families on the unit through effective communication and education.
• Provide trauma-informed care and use positive reinforcement while maintaining a therapeutic relationship.
• Maintain staff and patient safety through de-escalation, limit setting, and physical interventions.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.
• Serve as a resource to unit staff regarding diagnoses, behavior plans, relationship-based care, protective equipment, and crisis management.
• Float to other Behavioral Health nursing units as needed at the direction of leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED