Mental Health Worker

About the job 45866 - Mental Health Worker

MHW who, under the direction of an RN, carry out assigned tasks, provide direct service to patients/residents in an acute psychiatric care facility, and are qualified to perform duties that include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in admission procedures.
• Searching for contraband.
• Orienting the patient to the unit/hospital environment.
• Identifying and recording patient valuables.
• Completing documentation requirements.
• Communicating any significant changes in patient status and reporting all untoward patient actions or symptoms to medical staff in charge to assure safety and continuity of care.
• Supervising and supporting patients as necessary in bathing, showering and other hygiene needs.
• Maintaining awareness of patients dietary needs and providing records of nutritional intake.

Monitoring and providing a safe and clean environment as prescribed by standards relating to fire safety and infection control.

• Utilizing a supportive approach with anxious and agitated patients.
• Identifying needs for walk groups or any other activities that will allow patients space to feel supported and to de-escalate potential situations that could create unsafe environments for staff and patients.
• Demonstrating basic knowledge of patient histories and conditions.
• Providing testimony during legal proceedings to provide support while maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Implementing individualized plans of care by reinforcing treatment goals during daily, continual interactions.
• Purposely observing patient behaviors by documenting objective data as well as subjective inference (i.e. suicidal tendencies, patient gait, medication side effects).
• Escorting, supporting and supervising patients at appointments, legal proceedings, home placements and other activities as necessary to ensure patient safety.
• Participating in quality improvement data collection and completing all mandatory review classes to maintain competencies.
• Seeking out and appropriately utilizing supervision from Nursing Coordinator or designee in order to ensure safe practices.
• Maintaining current knowledge of hospital, departmental and unit-based changes by participating in staff meetings and reading policies and procedures to maintain skill level.
• Exploring opportunities to expand scope of knowledge where applicable through continuing education.

Shift: (3p-11p), (11p-7a)

• CPR/BLS certification.
• Covid-19 vaccinations.