Mental Health Specialist - Day Shift

Loretto Hospital•Chicago, IL

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents. The Mental Health Specialist provides age specific basic physical care and addresses spiritual and psychosocial needs of patients including cultural values, religious belief and barriers to learning intervention through the implementation of appropriate therapeutic approaches under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Promotes a therapeutic environment and participates in the total program according to the philosophy, goals and function of the hospital and the Department of Behavioral Health. Maintains treatment activities of the department in compliance with standards of practice, department and hospital policies and procedures, and regulatory standards: HFAP, IDPH, and the Illinois Mental Health Code. The Mental Health Specialist primary responsibilities includes the provision of a safe and therapeutic milieu, facilitate groups, crisis intervention and activity of daily living.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field
PCT/CNA Experience
Three years of experience working with a psychiatric patient population
Previous work experience in a Rehabilitation or Healthcare setting
Must be able to think critically.
Must be able to show compassion and empathy when needed.
Current certification in CPI and CPR

Responsibilities

Monitors unit milieu and maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients, family members and staff.
Modifies treatment approach according to developmental/psychological needs of the patient to ensure patient and unit safety.
Observes patients' behaviors, informs charge nurse of changes and implements interventions as directed by the nurse.
Documents patient's behaviors, affect and verbalization along with staff interventional and patient response to interventions in progress notes as assigned.
Completes patient rounds timely in accordance with unit requirements and accurately documents patient's observations on the Patients Observation Record.
Assist with admission process.
Assist RN with admission of patients and completes all admission forms as assigned.
Thoroughly completes personal belonging search, contraband removal and body map.
Documents findings in patient record and shares outcome with the R.N.
Assist patient with discharge and supervises collection of all patient belongings.
Provides continuous eyesight monitoring of patients in restraints and maintain their privacy, safety, and physical needs.
Accurately identifies strengths and weaknesses of the patient and his/her social, cultural, environmental and spiritual support network.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.