Mental Health Specialist

Purpose of Position

Assists staff in the treatment and care of patients in accordance with established methods and hospital policies and procedures.

Schedule

24 Hours Per Week, Rotating Days, 7a-3p Rotating Weekends & Holidays.

Organization

Cape Cod Hospital.

Location

Mass – Hyannis.

Department

CCH-Adult Psych Unit.

Compensation

Hourly. Pay range: $18.30 per hour.

Seniority Level

Entry level.

Employment Type

Full-time.

Job Function

Health Care Provider.

Industries

Hospitals and Health Care.

Responsibilities

• Performs standard treatment procedures and activities (vital signs, room preparation, patient belongings, meal assistance, tray distribution, ambulation, finger sticks).
• Performs contraband checks under RN direction in accordance with CCH Behavioral Health Services policies.
• Keeps patient information confidential and respects patient privacy in accordance with CCH policies and federal regulations.
• Assists with providing, structuring and maintaining a therapeutic environment in collaboration with patients and other mental health care providers.
• Performs accountability for observation checks, meal watches, and safety checks on all patients and communicates findings to the interdisciplinary team.
• Observes patients for escalating behavior and reports issues to an RN immediately, giving verbal input into the patient’s plan of care.
• Assists with crisis management procedures during clinical/medical emergencies.
• Participates in the admissions process by completing the necessary components for Behavioral Health patients to be admitted.
• Facilitates and/or participates in occupational, recreation and patient-centered programs.
• Escorts patients to other units, program areas, or other hospital departments as needed.
• Facilitates community meetings and clinical groups.
• Contributes to interdisciplinary team and treatment planning.
• Supports additional services as necessary for patient care.
• Maintains a safe and clean environment, reporting equipment out of order and keeping utility, treatment and nourishment areas clean.
• Participates in Process Improvement activities.
• Completes annual and mandated continuing education programs specific to providing behavioral health care for the population being treated.
• Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers.
• Performs other work-related duties as directed or requested.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• High School graduate or GED.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Service field preferred.
• Successful passage of the written Cape Cod Hospital Mental Health Specialist exam (study guide provided).
• Must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
  • One year (recent within the past 5 years) experience as a Mental Health worker, Mental Health assistant, or Nursing Assistant in a psychiatric facility.
  • One year (recent within the past 5 years) experience in a position with direct patient care within a nursing home, group home, substance, psychiatric setting, or general hospital.
• BLS certification required within 30 days from hire (course offered within CCH).
• Completion of an approved de-escalation Certification Course within 30 days from hire (course offered within CCH).
• Candidate must be able to demonstrate therapeutic communication with patients and the ability to de-escalate patients.

Additional Details

• Hours: 24 hours per week with rotating days and shift hours from 7a to 3p, including rotating weekends and holidays.
• Location: Hyannis, Massachusetts.
• Department: CCH-Adult Psych Unit.