Mental Health Worker

Middlesex Sheriff’s Office•Billerica, MA

1d•$67,000 - $67,697•Onsite

About The Position

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Mental Health Worker (MHW) to provide direct care to physically or mentally ill individuals confined to the Health Service Unit (HSU) at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction in Billerica, Massachusetts. Under the direction of the Director of Behavioral Health or designee, the MHW observes patients, reports physical or behavioral changes to nursing, clinical, and administrative staff, and provides direct care in accordance with patients’ treatment goals. The primary duty is to ensure patient safety through safety checks. This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The stated hours are 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with Sunday and Monday off. Operational needs may require work on weekends, nights, holidays, other shifts, or more than eight hours, and days off may change. The position is based in a correctional facility and may involve interacting with people under physical or emotional stress, prolonged standing and walking, and working alone in an isolated area. The selected employee must be mindful of the confidential and sensitive nature of a law enforcement agency.

Requirements

At least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience providing direct care services to people who are mentally ill or emotionally or physically handicapped, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying 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 legal authorization 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 safety checks at intervals ranging from constant observation to scattered nine-to-fifteen-minute checks, or as clinically indicated.
Collaborate with staff to identify patient milieu issues and develop strategies that support patient needs and promote a non-threatening, therapeutic environment.
Complete written documentation required for patient care and program operations, including maintaining patient records and up-to-date service documentation in the electronic medical record program.
Use basic communication and intervention skills, applying crisis prevention and crisis intervention approaches.
Facilitate therapeutic groups for patients on the HSU.
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 and house management duties and routine maintenance tasks as needed.
Report needed facility repairs and complete the weekly supply order.
Assist the Medical Records Coordinator with filing and scanning documents in patient electronic medical records.
Perform other work as required by Management.