Mental Health Specialist I - Psychiatric Crisis Department (Days)

Nationwide Children's Hospital•Columbus, OH

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 participates in specialized patient care with the interdisciplinary team, cares for delegated patient assignments, and establishes therapeutic relationships through effective communication and education. The specialist supports staff and patient safety through de-escalation, limit setting, and physical interventions, and collaborates with healthcare professionals on treatment plans. The position may also serve as a resource to unit staff on diagnoses, behavior plans, relationship-based care, protective equipment, and crisis management. This is a day-shift position, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with either 32 hours per week (0.8 FTE) or 24 hours per week (0.6 FTE) available. Every other weekend is required. The role is benefits-eligible and is expected to float to other Behavioral Health nursing units as needed at leadership’s direction. Starting pay is $20.16 per hour, commensurate with experience, with a $1.80-per-hour weekend shift premium.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current enrollment in and completion of half of an undergraduate program in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, 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 is required before finishing unit-based orientation, due within 90 days of hire, and must be maintained.
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification, provided by the organization, is required before finishing unit-based orientation, due within 90 days of hire, and must be maintained.
First Aid certification, provided by the organization, is required before finishing unit-based orientation, due within 90 days of hire, and must be maintained.
Ability to perform therapeutic crisis intervention moves, wear and function in helmets and other safety equipment, and respond physically when needed.
Ability to apply body mechanics when lifting or moving patients or equipment, and to move or reposition patients of any weight or size with assistance and/or equipment.

Responsibilities

Participate with the interdisciplinary team in specialized patient care.
Care for assigned patients as delegated.
Establish therapeutic relationships with patients and families through effective communication and education.
Provide trauma-informed care, use positive reinforcement, and operate within 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.
Act 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.