Mental Health Specialist - Older Adult Unit

Mass General Brigham•Belmont, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Specialist (MHS) provides direct patient care and participates in the therapeutic milieu on the Older Adult Unit (SB1). This unit provides care for adults ages 50 and older who are struggling with depression, anxiety, neurocognitive disorders, and related symptoms and conditions. The MHS plays a crucial role in assisting the RN, establishing therapeutic relationships, participating in patient rounds, managing patient assignments, and intervening in crisis situations. They also contribute to maintaining a safe and therapeutic unit environment, assisting patients with daily living activities, and maintaining their own professional growth and competency.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent required
One year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting
Must complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire.
Successful passing (80% or higher) of Epic training modules(s) is a minimum requirement of the job.
Verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work in collaboration with others

Nice To Haves

1-2 years preferred experience
Previous experience in direct patient care preferred

Responsibilities

Assists the RN in providing direct patient care.
Accurate and timely documentation of AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets.
Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients, maintaining professional boundaries.
Participates in patient rounds or teams.
Completes patient care assignments.
Identifies patient behaviors that contribute to the development of a crisis; utilizes non-verbal and verbal techniques to de-escalate crisis situations.
Intervenes in managing complex patient situations and patient schedules, utilizing department policies and procedures, always promoting the least restrictive alternatives.
Communicates changes in patient status to RN.
Follows Standards of Care and protocols for assigned patients.
Remains awake and alert at all times while on the job.
Performs Point of Care testing (POC).
Works effectively in the therapeutic milieu.
Participates in planning and implementation of patient groups.
Provides and supervises recreation and other off-hall activities according to needs.
Provides patients with direction, support, and supervision as needed.
Follows established Nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.
Active milieu assessment while assigned to checks, particularly attuned to safety concerns.
Participates in the maintenance of the unit environment to ensure safe care.
Identifies and reports house cleaning problems to Unit Secretary/ND.
Identifies and reports equipment problems to Unit Secretary/ND.
Participates in the unit’s inventory system, reporting when supplies are low.
Initiates activities that assist patients in maintaining a clean environment.
Initiates activities that promote an organized, safe patient and staff environment.
Assists patients in their activities of daily living.
Identifies patient hygiene needs; initiates and implements interventions to meet these needs.
Provides for patients’ nutritional needs according to unit procedure.
Assists and reassures patients during tests, exams, and procedures.
Escorts and supervises patients on and off ground, maintaining patient safety.
Maintains a commitment to professional growth and competency.
Completes mandatory in-service requirements.
Identifies areas of strengths and areas in need of professional development with supervisor.
Maintains competency for treating age-specific patient populations.
Seeks constructive feedback, regarding work performance, from peers and professional colleagues.
Participates in critical incident de-briefing.