Mental Health Specialist, Full-Time, Flexible Shift, Jackson South

Jackson Health•Miami, FL

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) is a member of the care team who supports delivery of a consistent standard of care for mentally ill patients in a patient care treatment facility, under the supervision of a registered nurse. The role involves observing and assisting patients, supporting therapeutic activities and milieu, documenting patient status, and carrying out assigned care duties in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. The position requires culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate interactions with patients from diverse backgrounds, as well as service excellence aligned with the CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Expertise.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Generally, 0 to 3 years of related experience.
Basic knowledge of psychiatric, psychological, and medical terminology and their clinical implications for patient treatment.
Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with critical thinking and professional composure.
Ability to understand and follow instructions.
Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment.
Knowledge and skill in using job-appropriate technology and software applications.
Must meet and maintain unit-specific and organizational skills, competencies, certifications, and licensures required by the nursing area.
AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) with at least 6 months of validity; maintenance at JHS is required for the duration of employment.
Must wear personal protective equipment when exposed to an infectious or clinical hospital environment.

Nice To Haves

Valid Florida Behavioral Health Technician Certification is preferred.
American Heart Association and any additional applicable life-support certification for Healthcare Providers may be required at the unit level upon hire, with at least 6 months of validity and maintenance at JHS for the duration of employment.

Responsibilities

Perform patient-care observations and duties as directed by the registered nurse and hospital policies and procedures.
Manage patient activities and provide patient education.
Help maintain a therapeutic milieu, supervise activities, and respond or intervene according to protocol.
Use verbal de-escalation techniques and coping strategies to reduce the risk of disruptive or aggressive behavior.
Identify behaviors that may require seclusion, restraint, or other clinical intervention, and escalate concerns to the primary nurse or nurse leader.
Participate in patient restraint and seclusion in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
Escort and monitor patients during fresh-air breaks.
Perform general patient-care tasks, including taking vital signs; feeding; assisting with mobility, hygiene, bathing, and dressing; changing linens and making beds; preparing supplies; and setting up or removing equipment.
Use specialized equipment as needed, including glucometers and restraints.
Help prepare patient treatment areas, such as seclusion and quiet rooms, between patients.
Conduct ongoing patient observations and document status in the electronic observation record; report unusual findings to the primary nurse or nurse leader.
Maintain accurate precautionary monitoring for suicide, violence, and elopement every 15 minutes; report and record patients’ physical and emotional whereabouts, activities, and behavior.
Monitor patients in recreational therapy, psychotherapy, and education programs, and document significant behaviors.
Engage patients in daily activities, including facilitating groups.
In JBHH, handle patient clothing and property at admission, transfer, and discharge, and complete required documentation.
Assist in fabricating adaptive and assistive equipment, such as washing mitts, wheelchair gloves, safety belts, and straps.
Maintain the storage closet and ensure therapeutic activity materials are available.
Follow up on patient-care responsibilities and assignments from previous shifts, and report incomplete assignments to support continuity of procedures.
Assist with orientation of new employees as needed.
Use culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate interventions with patients from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrate service excellence and CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Expertise.
Perform other related duties as assigned.