Worker-Mental Health

Alta Bates Summit • Berkeley, CA

253d • $30 - $33

About The Position

The Mental Health Worker performs duties under the direction of the Unit Charge Nurse, Relief Charge Nurse, or Team Leader. This position is responsible for gathering and reporting observational data, providing direct patient care to assigned patients, implementing therapeutic interventions and emotional support for patient during hospitalization on the acute care inpatient services at Alta Bates/Summit Medical Center. The position requires proficiency in verbal de-escalation of anxious and agitated patients. Mental Health Workers assist the R.N. in assuring the maintenance of a safe therapeutic environment, in the implementation of the program, in processing admissions and discharges, and in assisting patients in activities of daily living.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification.
• Minimum of 12 months of experience in a behavioral health care setting.

Nice To Haves

• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Functional knowledge of psychiatric terminology.

Responsibilities

• Assists patients in bathing and personal hygiene as required, encouraging maximal independent functioning by the patient.
• Assures that all patients are dressed appropriately in street clothes unless they are physically ill, in seclusion, or on elopement precautions.
• Assists patients to maintain their room in an orderly manner, including having their beds made daily.
• Utilizes communication skills and facilitates patient communication and interaction.
• Maintains an overview of the milieu and is sensitive to shifts in mood or activity which may signal the need for nursing intervention.
• Reports shifts in milieu to the R.N.
• Assists patients to develop constructive alternative behaviors that enhance their coping skills, self-esteem and promote symptom reduction.
• Assists patients to establish goals for recovery and relapse prevention.
• Uses the multidisciplinary care plan and the Rand to guide interventions and documentation; makes suggestions for interventions to the treatment team.
• Leads community meetings using established unit protocols, and co-facilitates or facilitates other groups of a recreational nature using established unit guidelines.
• Accompanies patients for testing and other activities which require supervision.
• Applies hospital procedures for emergencies, including Code Blue, Priority One, Code Grey, disaster and fire drills.
• Accompanies patients on attended privileges, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Documents observations and interventions legibly in the medical record, using acceptable hospital abbreviations, and problem-oriented format.
• Participates in patient admissions by assembling charts, obtaining historical data about the patient, taking and recording vital signs, heights and weights, and conducting searches for contraband.
• Maintains a safe, clean, hazard-free environment and reports safety issues to the R.N. immediately.
• Assists the R.N. in ensuring that rounds are performed in a timely manner.
• Assists in the orientation of new staff to the unit.
• Participates in patient discharges by assisting the patient to gather and pack belongings.
• Participates in providing nourishment for all patients through supervision of communal dining.
• Cares for the patient in seclusion and restraints, ensuring observations are completed and documented.
• Communicates with patients in a manner that demonstrates caring, compassion and respect.
• Attends physicians' physical examinations; assures that the examining room is clean and well-stocked.
• Acts as a resource for family members during visiting hours.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree