Mental Health Specialist I - Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit (Evenings)

Nationwide Children's Hospital • Columbus, OH

4d

About The Position

Performs basic supportive and trauma-informed care to assigned patients and families in the Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or clinical supervisor. The position is scheduled for evenings, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and requires working every other weekend. The role is available at 24 hours per week (0.6 FTE). Starting pay is $20.16 per hour, commensurate with experience, with evening and weekend shift differentials of $1.80 each.

The Mental Health Specialist I participates in specialized patient care with the interdisciplinary team, provides care for delegated patient assignments, and establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and families through communication and education. The role uses trauma-informed care, positive reinforcement, de-escalation, limit setting, and physical interventions to support treatment and maintain safety. It also 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.

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.
• 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.
• Effective written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• One year of hospital experience in a mental health role within the past three years, or equivalent education.
• Ability to perform therapeutic crisis intervention moves, wear and function in helmets and other safety equipment, and respond rapidly 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 and provide care for assigned patients as delegated.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients and families through effective communication and education.
• Provide trauma-informed care and use positive reinforcement within therapeutic relationships.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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