Overnight Mental Health Specialist - Depression and Anxiety

Mass General Brigham•Belmont, MA

2d•$22 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Specialist provides direct patient care and participates in the therapeutic milieu. This is an overnight position in the Short-Term Unit (AB1 North), which focuses on depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-injurious behavior, trauma, and personality disorders. The unit also commonly treats patients with comorbid substance use disorder, OCD, and eating disorders. Patient interactions and interventions are therapeutic, highly interpersonal, and skills-based. The role involves assisting with patient care, maintaining safety, supporting patients’ daily living and nutritional needs, participating in groups and activities, and communicating changes in patient status to the RN. The specialist is expected to remain awake and alert throughout the shift, follow nursing policies and protocols, document care accurately, and maintain professional competency.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of clinical experience; experience in a psychiatric setting is preferred.
Previous experience in direct patient care is preferred.
Verbal and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others.
Complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire, with a score of at least 80% on the training modules.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting.
Previous experience in direct patient care.

Responsibilities

Assist the RN in providing direct patient care and complete assigned patient care duties.
Accurately and promptly document AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets.
Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
Participate in patient rounds or teams and in planning and implementing patient groups.
Recognize behaviors that may contribute to a crisis and use verbal and non-verbal techniques to de-escalate situations.
Help manage complex patient situations and schedules using department policies and procedures while promoting the least restrictive alternatives.
Communicate changes in patient status to the RN and follow applicable standards of care and protocols.
Remain awake and alert throughout the job and perform Point of Care testing.
Work effectively in the therapeutic milieu and provide or supervise recreation and other off-hall activities.
Provide patients with direction, support, and supervision as needed.
Conduct active milieu assessments while assigned to checks, with particular attention to safety concerns.
Help maintain a safe unit environment, report cleaning or equipment problems, and notify the Unit Secretary/ND when supplies are low.
Initiate activities that help patients maintain a clean environment and promote an organized, safe environment for patients and staff.
Assist patients with activities of daily living, identify hygiene needs, and implement interventions to address them.
Provide for patients’ nutritional needs according to unit procedure.
Assist and reassure patients during tests, exams, and procedures.
Escort and supervise patients on and off the grounds while maintaining safety.
Complete mandatory in-service requirements and maintain professional growth, competency, and age-specific patient care competency.
Discuss strengths and development needs with a supervisor, seek constructive feedback from colleagues, and participate in critical incident debriefings.