Mental Health Specialist - Dissociative Disorders/Trauma Unit

Mass General Brigham•Belmont, MA

2d•$22 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) provides direct patient care and participates in the therapeutic milieu under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The role serves patients in the Dissociative Disorders/Trauma Unit and includes a 24-hour rotating weekend package. The position is onsite at 115 Mill Street and is scheduled for 24 hours per week. The MHS establishes therapeutic relationships, supports patient safety and daily living needs, participates in groups and other therapeutic activities, and helps maintain a safe and organized unit environment. The role also requires accurate documentation, communication of patient status changes to the RN, completion of Point of Care testing, and ongoing participation in training 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.
Complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire, with a score of at least 80% on the training modules.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including frequent standing, walking, lifting 35 pounds or more with an assisted device, carrying 20–35 pounds, balancing, reaching, handling, and fingering, and constant feeling, near and far vision, talking, and hearing.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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 complete assigned patient care tasks.
Recognize behaviors that may contribute to a crisis and use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.
Help manage complex patient situations and schedules according to department policies and procedures, using the least restrictive alternatives.
Communicate changes in patient status to the Registered Nurse.
Follow Standards of Care and protocols for assigned patients, remain awake and alert while on duty, and perform Point of Care testing.
Work effectively in the therapeutic milieu and participate in planning and implementing patient groups.
Provide and supervise recreation and off-hall activities, and offer patients direction, support, and supervision as needed.
Follow established Nursing policies, procedures, and protocols; assess the milieu for safety concerns, particularly while assigned to checks.
Identify and report housekeeping and equipment problems to the Unit Secretary or Nurse Director, and report low supplies through the unit inventory system.
Help patients maintain a clean environment and promote an organized, safe environment for patients and staff.
Identify patient hygiene needs and implement interventions; provide for patients’ nutritional needs according to unit procedures.
Assist and reassure patients during tests, exams, and procedures; escort and supervise patients on and off the grounds while maintaining safety.
Complete mandatory in-service requirements and maintain competency in caring for age-specific patient populations.
Discuss professional strengths and development needs with a supervisor, seek constructive feedback, and participate in critical incident debriefings.