Mental Health Worker Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Possession of an associate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in Behavioral Science, or substantially equivalent education and experience.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• 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 substantially equivalent education and experience.
• Working knowledge of practices, methods, and techniques for custody, care, and treatment of psychiatric patients, including patients with mental and developmental disabilities, in a forensic setting.
• Ability to apply 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 interact professionally and therapeutically with patients and staff.
• Ability to observe patients’ mental, physical, and behavioral condition and communicate observations orally and in writing, including in medical records.
• Working knowledge of accepted hospital housekeeping procedures.
• Ability to cooperate with clinical and non-clinical employees, 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.
• Must be physically qualified to perform the duties and maintain professional attitudes and conduct.
• Must pass a physical agility test consisting of a minimum number of sit-ups, push-ups, a 300-meter run, and a 1.5-mile run, with standards correlated with age and gender.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and have the agility and strength to maintain a safe and secure environment; requirements apply upon hire and yearly thereafter.
• Physical agility testing uses the 40th percentile of Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research standards.
• Must be medically fit following examination by department-designated qualified personnel.
• Vision must meet the stated requirements: at least 20/100 Snellen in the better eye without glasses, corrected to at least 20/70 in one eye and 20/30 in the other, with no active or progressive organic disease causing defective vision.
• Each ear must test at least 15/15 on the Whispering Voice Test.
• Must remain physically qualified to perform assigned duties, as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.
• Must provide proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella; varicella; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; hepatitis B titers; and 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 patients in a secure forensic psychiatric setting.
• Promote a therapeutic milieu while maintaining patient custody and supervision consistent 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.
• Assist patients with waking, bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming, and preparation for visitors, privileges, appointments, and bed.
• Conduct rounds, patient counts, and safety checks; file ward status reports; observe unusual behavior and report incidents to a superior.
• Escort doctors and visitors on wards as required.
• Maintain patients’ quarters in a sanitary, safe, and orderly condition and check for dangerous or unapproved items, including sharps, contraband, and flammables.
• Plan, direct, implement, and participate in unit-based therapeutic activities and off-unit programs.
• Physically restrain patients when necessary under supervision and in accordance with hospital policy and behavioral emergency response training.
• Observe and report patients’ physical health; alert a superior to signs of illness; assist with physical examinations and blood work, collect specimens as assigned, and take temperature, pulse, and respiration rates.
• Carry out patient admission, discharge, and transfer procedures, including inspections for sharps, contraband, and flammables as directed.
• Assist nurses and other personnel with prescribed treatments and medications.
• 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 the cleanliness and safety of patients’ immediate environment and care for their clothing and personal effects.
• Apply infection-control and disease-prevention measures.
• Identify and report elopement and participate in searches.
• Wear appropriate dress and hospital-approved identification.
• Provide one-on-one special supervision and observational care as assigned.
• Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain the therapeutic milieu.