Mental Health Specialist Sitter - Full Time Variable

Cape Fear Valley Health

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist Sitter sits with assigned patients and works with the nurse to support patient safety and provide appropriate stimulation. The role communicates with everyone involved in the patient’s care and delivers customer service to patients, staff, and visitors. Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques are used as needed. The position promotes a safe, therapeutic environment that protects patient rights and dignity. It responds to patient needs directly when able or reports them to the appropriate person, supports privacy and emotional needs, and alerts nursing staff to escalating behavior requiring intervention. The role may assist with the proper use of equipment and supplies, including restraints, and participates in educational and Performance Improvement activities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Skills and knowledge to conduct safe individual activities with patients.
Strong observation and intervention skills with patients and family members.
Proficient interpersonal communication skills.
Verbal communication skills that support calm communication with patients and their family members.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit as required by the work.
Ability to turn and lift patients.
Ability to communicate and visually observe the patient.
BLS certification from the American Heart Association required.

Nice To Haves

Psychology or social work training preferred.

Responsibilities

Sit with assigned patients and work with the nurse to assist with patient safety and offer appropriate stimuli.
Communicate with every person involved in the patient’s care.
Deliver customer service to patients, staff, and visitors.
Use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques as needed.
Care for patients in a manner that promotes safety, protects rights, preserves dignity, and supports a therapeutic environment.
Respond to patient needs with direct assistance when able or report needs to the appropriate person.
Assist in maintaining patient safety, including proper use of equipment and supplies, which may include restraints.
Participate in educational and Performance Improvement activities.
Promote the patient’s right to privacy.
Provide emotional support as appropriate.
Alert nursing staff regarding escalating behavior that requires intervention and call for assistance as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.