Mental Health Specialist - Overnight

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Job Summary

Summary:

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Specialist (MHS) provides direct patient care and supports a safe, therapeutic environment for patients in an inpatient behavioral health setting.

Direct Patient Care & Safety:

• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• Participate in patient rounds, care teams, and assigned patient care responsibilities.

• Observe patient behavior, recognize changes or potential crises, and promptly communicate changes in patient status to the RN.

• Use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques and intervene in complex situations according to department policies, prioritizing the least restrictive interventions.

• Complete required documentation, including AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets, accurately and on time.

• Follow established Standards of Care, nursing policies, procedures, and patient-specific protocols.

• Assess and monitor the therapeutic milieu for safety concerns, including while assigned to patient checks.

• Perform Point of Care testing as required.

• Remain awake and alert throughout the overnight shift.

Therapeutic Milieu & Daily Living Support:

• Provide patients with appropriate direction, supervision, reassurance, and support.

• Participate in planning and implementing patient groups, recreation, and off-unit activities based on patient needs.

• Support activities of daily living, including hygiene and nutritional needs, according to unit procedures.

• Assist and reassure patients during tests, exams, and procedures.

• Escort and supervise patients on and off hospital grounds while maintaining patient safety.

Unit Environment:

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for patients and staff.

• Identify and report housekeeping, equipment, and supply concerns to appropriate unit leadership.

• Participate in unit inventory processes and communicate low supply levels.

Professional Development:

• Complete all mandatory training and in-service requirements.

• Maintain competency in caring for assigned age-specific patient populations.

• Identify professional strengths and development needs with supervisor support and seek constructive feedback.

• Participate in critical incident debriefings as appropriate.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required

  • Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

• One year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting 1-2 years preferred and Previous experience in direct patient care preferred

• Verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work in collaboration with others.

• Must complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire.

• Successful passing (80% or higher) of Epic training modules(s) is a minimum requirement of the job.

We currently have overnight openings ranging from 24-40 hours per week across several of our inpatient units, including Adult Inpatient, General Psychiatric, Geriatric Psychiatry, Short-Term Treatment, Community Reintegration, and Bipolar/Schizophrenia (Psychotic Disorders) units.

Pay Range

Grade