Mental Health Specialist - AMH Psychotic Disorders

Mass General Brigham•Belmont, MA

5d•$22 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) provides direct patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse and participates in the therapeutic milieu. The role supports patient safety and care through observation, documentation, therapeutic engagement, crisis de-escalation, group and recreational activities, assistance with activities of daily living, and maintenance of a safe and organized unit environment. The MHS follows nursing policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care, communicates changes in patient status to the RN, and maintains competency through required training, feedback, and professional development.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of clinical experience; psychiatric-setting experience is preferred.
Verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others.
Must complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire; a score of 80% or higher on the training modules is a minimum job requirement.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of experience preferred.
Previous direct patient-care experience preferred.
Clinical experience in a psychiatric setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the RN in providing direct patient care and complete assigned patient-care responsibilities.
Document AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets accurately and promptly.
Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
Participate in patient rounds and team activities.
Identify behaviors that may contribute to a crisis and use verbal and non-verbal techniques to de-escalate situations.
Help manage complex patient situations and schedules in accordance with department policies and procedures, promoting the least restrictive alternatives.
Communicate changes in patient status to the RN and follow standards of care and protocols for assigned patients.
Remain awake and alert while on the job and perform point-of-care testing.
Participate in planning and implementing patient groups; provide and supervise recreation and off-hall activities as appropriate.
Provide patients with direction, support, and supervision, and assess the milieu for safety concerns, especially while assigned to checks.
Help maintain a safe unit environment by reporting cleaning and equipment problems, monitoring supply levels, supporting inventory, and initiating activities that promote cleanliness and organization.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene and nutrition, and provide reassurance during tests, exams, and procedures.
Escort and supervise patients on and off the grounds while maintaining safety.
Complete mandatory in-service requirements, maintain competency with age-specific patient populations, discuss development needs with a supervisor, seek constructive feedback, and participate in critical-incident debriefings.