Mental Health Specialist - AMH Neuropsychiatry Unit

Mass General Brigham•Belmont, MA

7d•$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. The position is in the Neuropsychiatry Unit (SB2) at McLean Hospital, a specialty care program for dementia and cognitive impairments. The role includes supporting patient safety and daily care, helping manage crises, participating in therapeutic activities, and maintaining a safe and organized unit environment. The MHS is also expected to complete mandatory training and maintain competency for assigned age-specific patient populations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of clinical experience; experience in a psychiatric setting is preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
Complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire, with a score of at least 80% 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 on time.
Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
Participate in patient rounds or teams and communicate changes in patient status to the RN.
Identify behaviors that may lead to a crisis and use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.
Help manage complex patient situations and schedules using department policies and procedures and promoting the least restrictive alternatives.
Follow standards of care and protocols for assigned patients, and remain awake and alert while on the job.
Perform Point of Care testing (POC).
Participate in planning and implementing patient groups, and provide or supervise recreation and other off-hall activities.
Provide patients with direction, support, and supervision as needed; follow established nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.
Assess the milieu while assigned to checks, with particular attention to safety concerns.
Identify and report housekeeping and equipment problems to the Unit Secretary/ND, and report low supplies through 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 procedure.
Assist and reassure patients during tests, exams, and procedures.
Escort and supervise patients on and off the ground while maintaining patient safety.
Complete mandatory in-service requirements and maintain competency for assigned age-specific patient populations.
Identify professional strengths and development needs with a supervisor, seek constructive feedback, and participate in critical incident debriefing.