Psych Unit Mental Health Worker Faulkner

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

7d•$19 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health worker is a member of the multidisciplinary team who, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, performs a variety of duties on the milieu that include direct patient care, patient monitoring, coordination of and execution of milieu groups, and monitoring the tone and activity of the unit to ensure a safe environment. Maintains current education for and is expected to provide for the ADLs of adult and geriatric patients. Utilizes de-escalation strategies to assist patients with self-regulation within the mission of reduction of restraint/reduction on a DMH Licensed unit. The Mental Health Worker will also ensure the practice of the Patient and Family Centered Care Model in an environment that exemplifies best practice. Does this position require Patient Care? Yes

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent required
Basic Life Support [BLS] - Generic - HR Only required
2+ years of inpatient psychiatric experience preferred
Computer proficiency

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree Psychology preferred or Bachelor's Degree Mental Health preferred
Previous group experience preferred
Two years inpatient MHW experience will be considered in lieu of bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

Follows unit maintenance and safety checks procedures at all times. Demonstrates accurate documentation of safety checks.
Demonstrates proper management of “sharps” according to policy.
Demonstrates understanding and management of patient privilege system.
Able to recognize warning signs indicative of an increase in potential for violence against self or others.
Prevents the use of restraint and seclusion by strategically intervening and ef fectively deescalating potentially violent situations.
Understands the mission of restraint/seclusion reduction and maintains annual behavior management certif ication.
Recognizes changes in patient behaviors and communicates them to the Clinical Leader/Charge Nurse.
Demonstrates proper use of limit setting and behavioral intervention strategies.
Anticipates and identif ies safety risks and takes action by evaluating products, devices, and safety procedures.
Trained to participate in the restraint/seclusion of patients when all other less restrictive measures have failed.
Monitors patients in restraints, seclusion and/or provides constant observation according to policy.
Manages and negotiates safe entry to and exit of persons f rom the locked unit.
Demonstrates appropriate hand hygiene and follows infection control procedures.
Demonstrates understanding of and utilizes appropriate therapeutic boundaries with patients, families, and co-workers.
Maintains CPR certif ication.
Accurately takes and records patient vital signs (T,P,B/P,R O2 sat) and weights. Notif ies RN of abnormal f indings.
Notifies RN of any deterioration of the patient’s physical status (per RRT and stroke criteria).
Collects and accurately labels specimens using 2 patient identif iers.
Performs blood glucose monitoring and notif ies RN of abnormal f indings.
Assists patients as needed with all necessary aspects of ADLs (bathing, laundry, organizing room, maintenance of nutritional/hydration needs, assistance with and monitoring of elimination needs).
Assists patients with managing/organizing their time on the milieu.
Assists in the admission process by performing a complete and accurate search of patient belongings. Labels and stores belongings according to unit policy.
Maintains patient’s personal belongings that are located in the “sharps” closet.
Participates in the unit based group treatment program.
Follows milieu care plans.
Plans and engages patients through unit activities as coordinated with the charge nurse.
Coordinates with the primary nurse and/or assigned nurse about patient care throughout the patient care assignment.
Utilizes appropriate equipment f or the management of patient’s with physical disabilities (wheelchairs, geri-chairs, side rails, handicapped shower facilities, physical lif ts).
Identif ies the unique needs and implements appropriate interventions for age specific populations.
Collaborates with other health care team members to provide interdisciplinary patient care by attending assigned team meetings.
Shares observations of patient behavior information with interdisciplinary team members.
Attends Teaching or Special Case conferences involving their patient(s).
Acts as a patient advocate within the interdisciplinary team.
Documents patient observation in the medical record. RN co-signs patient care notes.
Documents group notes on group forms.
Demonstrates competency in and utilizes Outlook email, PeopleSof t, Faulkner 411 or other databases as needed to procure information.
Maintains and promotes an atmosphere which ref lects the mission and values of the organization including adherence to all C.A.R.E. Standards.
Maintains standards of conf idential patient care.
Demonstrates sensitivity to cultural practices and needs by coordinating communication, visitation, and interpreter services as needed.
Assists in the procurement and provision of equipment and supplies as required by patients (toiletries, basic supplies, food and beverages).
Assists the unit by limiting use of overtime to emergencies and ensuring proper approval of overtime as indicated.
Participates in ef forts to problem solve and respond to psychosocial needs of patients and families.
Provides information on helpful resources to patient family and other contacts as indicated.
Responds to patient family or other contacts professionally and empathically.
Completes annual competencies (hospital wide and unit based).
Utilizes resources to meet education needs.
Seeks ongoing supervision for professional development.
Understands principles of SEAQ/QI and customer service approach by involving oneself in unit QI activities.
Identif ies and communicates quality issues to Nursing Director/Clinical Leader/Charge Nurse.
Interacts and works with other departments to provide interdisciplinary patient care, i.e. Dietary, SPD and Housekeeping.
Facilitates patient information across departments, systems, and other facilities.