Mental Health Clinician Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position OR A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position (i.e., Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Criminal justice, Sociology, or Education) equal to three (3) years
• Full background and reference checks required.
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
• Successfully pass all modules of the CMHHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to complete MANDT and CPR successfully
• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
• Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
• Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
• Must be able to see and hear to observe, address, and respond to potential breaches in safety
• Seize, hold, control, or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs, and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person, and/or restraint situations
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold), which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
• Willing and able to travel
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening
• Influenza vaccination
• Other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado CDHS

Nice To Haves

• Experience starting and leading behavioral health groups or activities.
• Experience following, updating, and documenting progress on a patient’s personalized treatment plan.
• Experience working within a locked facility
• Experience working with the State of Colorado

Responsibilities

• Talk and connect with patients to help support their journey toward getting better.
• Run educational classes and activities once trained and cleared to do so.
• Help senior staff lead specialized therapy groups (like DBT) if you have the right training.
• Start scheduled programs on time and lead patients through exercises.
• Help patients with their concerns. If unable to fix it, point them to a patient rights advocate.
• Walk patients safely to and from different treatment areas or "malls."
• Use knowledge and training to calm down tense situations or disruptive behavior.
• Respond immediately if a patient has a mental health emergency.
• Watch for changes in a patient’s mood or physical health (like pain) and tell the Nurse (RN) right away.
• Know which patients need extra 1-on-1 supervision or have special medical needs before you start your shift.
• Respond quickly whenever a distress or "duress" alarm goes off.
• Keep the treatment areas orderly and make sure all paperwork is finished.
• Know and follow the hospital’s safety, infection control, and emergency manuals.
• Follow the staff Code of Conduct and ethics rules at all times.
• Safely walk patients to the yard, gym, family visits, or court hearings.
• Log patient attendance and progress in the digital tracking systems (BEHR).
• Make sure all your mandatory training and certifications are up to date.
• If harassment or violence is seen in the workplace, report it to a supervisor or security immediately.
• Join morning team meetings and treatment planning sessions when schedule allows.
• Listen well and keep teammates and supervisors in the loop to prevent problems before they happen.
• Communicate verbally depending on who you are speaking to (patients vs. doctors) to keep the environment positive.
• If there is an allegation of abuse, tell the Charge Nurse and supervisor immediately and contact public safety.
• Tell the Nurse right away if a patient mentions hurting themselves or others.
• If something is broken or dangerous in the building, report it to the person in charge.
• Complete any other tasks assigned that fit within your general job level and skills.

Benefits

• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program