Mental Health Clinician - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan

Department Information

Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (CMHHFL) is one of two state hospitals serving our community. The vision is to provide the highest quality mental health services to persons with complex, serious, and persistent mental health illness. Our mission is to support those individuals in achieving their recovery goals and reaching their full potential. CMHHFL provides inpatient treatment to adult patients, generally between the ages of 18-49.

The hospital has 94 adult inpatient beds, over four treatment units and opened an additional 44 beds (two units) in December 2022, with one unit currently occupied and the other awaiting occupancy. These forensic units will be dedicated to providing psychiatric stabilization and restoration treatment to individuals opined incompetent to proceed as a result of their mental illness. Medical services, occupational therapy, neuropsychological‑rehabilitation services, and trauma‑informed care services are available for all patients throughout the hospital.

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefits package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

• Individual dignity and respect
• Person‑centered, evidence‑based care
• Trauma informed recovery
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Diversity and inclusion
• Strong family and community partnerships

This position exists to provide therapeutic work in the psychiatric care and treatment of adults with acute and chronic exacerbation of a mental illness. Primary responsibilities are the application of knowledge, expertise and experience to establish a therapeutic relationship with the patient and provide safe and effective patient care. Mental Health Clinicians utilize psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery principles and techniques in all aspects of their job duties.

This position works under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse and assists with psychiatric nursing care of mentally ill patients; observes, reports, and documents patient’s behavior, physical condition, and reactions to medications and treatment; participates in designing and implementing patient treatment plans; monitors and intervenes to ensure a safe and therapeutic patient milieu; and provides immediate crisis intervention when indicated.

• Act as patient advocate and provide patient and family with support and education on patient’s rights; address and resolve patient issues when possible and refer issues to the hospital Patient’s Rights Specialist. Model solution‑focused problem‑solving strategies.
• Support patient in accomplishing activities of daily living (ADLs) through monitoring, teaching, supporting and assisting as needed, ensuring dignity and respect and maintaining privacy.
• Escort patients to activities and appointments on grounds and in the community, including driving patients to appointments.
• Assume responsibility for paperwork, assuring confidentiality, communicating patient’s whereabouts to charge nurse and treatment team through sign‑out/sign‑in systems on the unit.
• Communicate to provide or exchange information while keeping registered nurse and other staff informed of patient status and patient issues. Document patient care and patient response to treatment as required by hospital policy. Support patients to develop a list of positive supports which may include family, friends, agencies, and staff members.

• Assure a safe and therapeutic treatment environment through effective Milieu Management. Closely monitor and maintain surveillance of the unit, model professional interactions with patients, families and staff, facilitate solution‑oriented problem‑solving strategies, encourage patient input and self‑determination, monitor and address safety violations, anticipate and intervene at an appropriate level in crisis situations (e.g., physical or verbal assault, suicidal behavior) in accordance with nursing standards and hospital policies.
• Monitor the milieu, conduct safety checks and monitor for unsafe items or conditions, act promptly…