Mental Health Worker

Middlesex Sheriff’s Office•Billerica, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Mental Health Worker to provide direct care to physically or mentally ill individuals confined to the Health Service Unit at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction in Billerica, Massachusetts. Under the direction of the Director of Behavioral Health or designee, the worker observes patients and reports physical or behavioral changes to nursing, clinical, and administrative staff. The primary duty is to help ensure patient safety through safety checks. The position also provides direct care in accordance with clients’ treatment goals and supports a therapeutic, non-threatening environment. This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The stated schedule is 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with Sunday and Monday off. Depending on operational needs, employees may be required to work weekends, nights, holidays, more than eight hours, or any shift (7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., or 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.); days off may change. The work takes place in a correctional facility and may involve interacting with people under physical or emotional stress, standing and walking for prolonged periods, and working alone in an isolated area. Employees must be mindful of the confidential and sensitive nature of a law enforcement agency. Applicants must meet the stated experience or education-substitution qualifications, have an active valid driver’s license and the legal right to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts, and pass a criminal background check. Hires must verify identity and U.S. work eligibility and complete the required employment eligibility verification form.

Requirements

At least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience providing direct care to people who are mentally ill or emotionally or physically handicapped, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying education substitutions.
Strong oral, written, organizational, and time-management skills, including the ability to maintain comprehensive and cohesive records.
An active valid driver’s license and the legal right to operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts.
Pass a criminal background check.
Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Responsibilities

Conduct patient safety checks at intervals ranging from constant observation to scattered checks every nine to fifteen minutes, or as clinically indicated.
Observe patients and report physical or behavioral signs or changes to nursing, clinical, and administrative staff.
Collaborate with staff to identify patient milieu issues and develop strategies that support patient needs and a non-threatening, therapeutic environment.
Complete required written documentation and maintain comprehensive, current patient records and service data using the electronic medical record program.
Use basic communication and intervention skills, including crisis prevention and crisis intervention approaches.
Facilitate therapeutic groups for patients on the Health Service Unit.
Disseminate various items to patients.
Prepare space for new patients and assist patients moving into or out of the unit.
Monitor patients by observing them on video camera.
Keep the unit clean and secure; perform daily housekeeping, house management, and routine maintenance tasks as needed, and report facility repairs.
Complete weekly supply orders.
Assist the Medical Records Coordinator with filing and scanning documents in patient electronic medical records.
Perform other work as required by Management.