MENTAL HEALTH WORKER

State of careers Rhode Island•Benton Township, PA

2d•$54,686 - $61,176•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Worker provides direct care and treatment to severely and chronically mentally disabled patients in a secure forensic treatment setting at Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital. The role promotes a therapeutic milieu while providing custody and supervision consistent with nursing care and treatment plans. The position works under a registered nurse, receives assignments in outline form, and is subject to review and inspection. It has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is a float role with scheduled hours of 11:15 p.m. to 7:15 a.m., including every other weekend and days off as assigned. The standard schedule is 40 hours. The position requires an associate degree or equivalent in Behavioral Science, or substantially equivalent education and experience, and one year of qualifying hospital or clinical program experience. One year of inpatient psychiatric experience is preferred. Employment is contingent on meeting physical and medical qualifications, including a physical agility test, the ability to lift 40 pounds, vision and hearing standards, and ongoing physician certification. Pre-employment health requirements include proof of specified immunizations or immunity and an N-95 respirator fit test.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Behavioral Science, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
One year of employment in a private or public hospital or clinical program involving participation in the care, custody, treatment, and rehabilitation of severely and chronically mentally disabled persons, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
Working knowledge of practices, methods, and techniques for custody, care, and treatment of psychiatric patients, including patients with mental and developmental disabilities in a forensic setting.
Ability to apply knowledge of basic first aid, housekeeping, patients’ personal needs and activities of daily living, minor treatments, and infection control.
Ability to safeguard and supervise patients and maintain order, control, and discipline in a therapeutic manner.
Ability to interact with patients and staff professionally, positively, and therapeutically.
Ability to observe patients’ mental, physical, behavioral, and other reactions and communicate observations orally and in writing, including in medical records.
Working knowledge of accepted hospital housekeeping procedures.
Ability to cooperate with clinical and non-clinical employees, accept direction from clinical professionals, and follow oral and written instructions.
Familiarity with clinical syndrome terminology and ability to describe symptoms of mental illness, particularly in a forensic setting.
Must be physically qualified to perform the duties and maintain professional attitudes and conduct.
Must pass a physical agility test consisting of sit-ups, push-ups, a 300-meter run, and a 1.5-mile run, with standards correlated to gender and age.
Must be able to lift 40 pounds and maintain the physical agility and strength needed to provide a safe and secure environment; tested upon hire and yearly thereafter at the 40th percentile using Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research standards.
Must meet medical fitness requirements, including specified vision and hearing standards, and remain physically qualified as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.
Must provide proof of immunity against or meet pre-employment requirements for MMR, varicella, Tdap, hepatitis B titers, and tuberculin skin testing.
Must complete an N-95 respirator fit test.

Nice To Haves

One year of inpatient experience in a psychiatric setting.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care and treatment to patients in a secure forensic psychiatric setting.
Promote a therapeutic milieu while exercising custody and supervision consistent with nursing care and treatment plans.
Interact with patients by listening, encouraging, supporting, and providing appropriate feedback.
Assist professional staff in formulating and implementing treatment plans and participate as a member of the treatment team.
Assist patients with waking, bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming, and preparation for visitors, privileges, appointments, and bed.
Conduct rounds, patient counts, and safety checks; file ward status reports; and report unusual behavior and incidents to a superior.
Escort doctors and visitors on wards as required.
Maintain patient quarters in a sanitary, safe, and orderly condition and check for dangerous or unapproved items, including sharps, contraband, and flammables.
Plan, direct, implement, and participate in unit-based therapeutic activities and off-unit activity programs.
Physically restrain patients when necessary, under supervision and in accordance with hospital policy and behavioral emergency response training.
Observe and report patients’ physical health and symptoms of illness; assist with physical examinations and blood work, collect assigned specimens, and take temperature, pulse, and respiration rates.
Carry out outpatient admission, discharge, and transfer procedures, including directed inspections for sharps, contraband, and flammables.
Assist nurses and other personnel with prescribed medication treatments.
Collaborate professionally with team members and contribute to treatment planning, quality assurance, or performance improvement activities as necessary.
Supervise recreational activities and escort patients to appointments and off-site activities.
Maintain the cleanliness and safety of patients’ immediate environment and care for their clothing and personal effects.
Apply infection-control and disease-prevention measures.
Identify and report elopement and participate in searches.
Wear appropriate dress and a hospital-approved identification badge.
Provide one-on-one special supervision and observational care as assigned.
Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain the therapeutic milieu.