MENTAL HEALTH WORKER

State of careers Rhode Island•Benton Township, PA

1d•$54,686 - $61,176

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 exercising custody and supervision consistent with nursing care and treatment plans. The worker supports therapeutic evaluation, treatment planning, patient activities, safety, and daily living needs, and performs related work in the forensic setting as required. The position works under the supervision of a registered nurse, receives assignments in outline form, and is given specific instructions for new or unusual assignments. Work is reviewed during and after completion for effectiveness and compliance with standards of care, hospital policies, procedures, and instructions. The position does not supervise others. The schedule is 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with every other weekend and days off as assigned. This is a float position with a standard 40-hour workweek. The posted updated salary range is $54,686 to $61,176.

Requirements

Working knowledge of practices, methods, and techniques for custody, care, and treatment of psychiatric patients, including people with mental and developmental disabilities, in a forensic setting, and the ability to apply that knowledge.
Knowledge of basic first aid, housekeeping, patient 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 communicate and interact with patients and staff professionally, positively, and therapeutically.
Ability to observe patients’ attitudes and mental, physical, and other reactions and report observations orally to supervisors or treatment-team members and in writing in medical records.
Ability to observe clinical details, including behavioral observations required by behavioral plans or observational protocols, and report them orally and in writing.
Working knowledge of accepted hospital housekeeping procedures and ability to apply that knowledge.
Ability to cooperate with clinical and non-clinical employees with varied expertise, 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.
Associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Behavioral Science, and ability to read, write, and speak English; or a substantially equivalent combination of education and experience.
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 a substantially equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be physically qualified to perform the duties and maintain professional attitudes and conduct.
Must pass a physical agility test involving sit-ups, push-ups, a 300-meter run, and a 1.5-mile run, with standards correlated with gender and age; testing is at the 40th percentile under Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research standards.
Must be capable of lifting 40 pounds and have the agility and strength to maintain a safe and secure environment; these abilities are assessed upon hire and yearly thereafter.
Must be medically qualified following examination by department-designated qualified personnel, including meeting the specified vision and Whispering Voice Test hearing standards, and remain physically qualified as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.
Must provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella; varicella; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; and hepatitis B, and complete a Tuberculin Skin Test.
Must complete an N-95 respirator fit test.

Nice To Haves

One year of inpatient experience in a psychiatric setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care and treatment to severely and chronically mentally disabled patients in a secure forensic treatment setting.
Promote a therapeutic milieu while maintaining custody and supervision of patients in accordance 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.
Help patients with waking, bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming, and preparation for visitors, grounds privileges, off-site appointments, and bed.
Conduct rounds, take patient counts, perform safety checks, file ward status reports, and report unusual behavior and incidents to a superior.
Escort doctors and visitors on wards as required.
Ensure patient quarters are sanitary, safe, orderly, and free of dangerous or unapproved sharps, contraband, and flammables.
Organize, plan, direct, implement, and participate in unit-based therapeutic activities and off-unit activity programs.
Physically restrain patients when necessary, under supervision and according to hospital policy and behavioral emergency response training.
Observe and report patients’ physical health, alert a superior to signs and symptoms of illness, assist with physicals and blood work, collect specimens as assigned, and take temperature, pulse, and respiration rates.
Carry out outpatient admission, discharge, and transfer procedures, including inspecting patients for sharps, contraband, and flammables as directed.
Assist professional nurses and other personnel with prescribed medication treatments.
Establish positive helping relationships with patients and interact professionally with team members in carrying out treatment programs.
Collaborate with professional staff 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 cleanliness and safety in patients’ immediate environments and care for their clothing and personal effects.
Recognize and implement 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 and other related duties as required.