Mental Health Specialist - Older Adult Unit

Mass General Brigham•Belmont, MA

5d•$22 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) works under the direction of a Registered Nurse to provide direct patient care and participate in the therapeutic milieu. On the Older Adult Unit (SB1), the role supports adults ages 50 and older experiencing depression, anxiety, neurocognitive disorders, and related symptoms and conditions. The position is onsite and scheduled for 24 hours per week on the night shift.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist the RN in providing direct patient care and complete assigned patient care tasks.
Document AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets accurately and promptly.
Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
Participate in patient rounds or teams and communicate changes in patient status to the RN.
Recognize behaviors that may contribute to a crisis and use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.
Manage complex patient situations and schedules according to department policies and procedures, promoting the least restrictive alternatives.
Follow standards of care, protocols, and nursing policies and procedures for assigned patients.
Remain awake and alert while working and perform Point of Care testing.
Participate in planning and implementing patient groups, and provide or supervise recreation and other off-hall activities.
Provide patients with direction, support, and supervision, and assess the milieu for safety concerns while assigned to checks.
Identify and report housekeeping or equipment problems and report low supplies as part of the unit inventory system.
Initiate activities that help patients maintain a clean environment and promote an organized, safe environment for patients and staff.
Identify patient hygiene needs and implement interventions to address them.
Provide for patients’ nutritional needs according to unit procedures.
Assist and reassure patients during tests, examinations, and procedures.
Escort and supervise patients on and off the unit while maintaining patient safety.
Complete mandatory in-service requirements and maintain competency for age-specific patient populations.
Discuss strengths and professional development needs with a supervisor, seek constructive feedback, and participate in critical incident debriefings.