Mental Health Specialist I - Psychiatric Crisis Department (Days)

Nationwide Children's Hospital•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs basic supportive and trauma-informed care to specified patients and families under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or clinical supervisor. This role is part of the Psychiatric Crisis Department and involves providing direct patient care, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and acting as a resource for unit staff. The position requires participation in an interdisciplinary team, establishing therapeutic relationships, and utilizing de-escalation techniques for patient safety. The role is benefits-eligible and may require floating to other Behavioral Health nursing units as directed by leadership.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
Current enrollment in and completion of half a Psychology, Social Work, or related undergraduate program, or equivalent experience, required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required prior to finishing unit-based orientation (due within 90 days of hire), must maintain certification.
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification provided by the organization, required prior to finishing unit-based orientation (due within 90 days of hire), and maintain certification.
First Aid certification by the organization, required prior to finishing unit-based orientation (due within 90 days of hire), and maintain certification.
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, required.
Must be able to perform therapeutic crisis intervention moves (TCI).
Able to wear and function in helmets and other safety equipment.
Rapid physical response when needed.
Applies the principles of body mechanics in lifting or moving patients and/or equipment.
Must be able to move or reposition patients of any weight or size with the assistance of another person(s) and/or equipment.

Responsibilities

Participates with the interdisciplinary team in specialized patient care.
Cares for patient assignment as delegated.
Effectively establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and families on the unit including but not limited to effective communication and education.
Provides trauma-informed care, utilizes positive reinforcement and operates within a therapeutic relationship, maintains staff and patient safety through de-escalation, limit setting, and physical interventions.
Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.
Acts as a resource to unit staff regarding diagnoses, behavior plans, relationship based care, protective equipment, crisis management.