Mental Health Specialist II

Alameda Health System • San Leandro, CA

5d

About The Position

In support of professional mental health care professionals, the Mental Health Specialist II provides mental health care, including counseling, activity planning, and self-care, and acts as a frontline caregiver to help maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. The role supports patients throughout intake, treatment, and discharge and works with nursing staff, physicians, families, and other authorized parties. Employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level; not all listed duties are necessarily performed by every employee.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in an inpatient acute psychiatric hospital or acute care setting.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) Training, required for all positions at John George Psychiatric Pavilion and certain positions in the Emergency Department.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university.
• Nursing Assistant Certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist with intake and orientation of new patients and discharge of current patients.
• Interview and observe patients to assess alignment with their care plans, and report deviations in behavior or actions to nursing staff and physicians.
• Confer with families and other authorized parties regarding the care plan.
• Facilitate and participate in group education sessions.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, personal hygiene, and eating.
• Monitor patient diet, exercise, and activity plans, compare them with actual circumstances, and make adjustments as necessary.
• Collect and document vital signs and report out-of-range items as necessary.
• Intervene in and de-escalate physical confrontations or abusive verbal behavior through counseling, up to and including restraint when necessary.
• Conduct safety rounds and checks, confiscate unauthorized items, and report incidents.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Eligible positions receive a generous comprehensive benefits program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED