The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team. He/she implements clinical care responsibilities in accordance with inpatient psychiatry department policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse. The Mental Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients aged 18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist must possess the knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient’s age and developmental level in determining treatment needs. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES: 

• Participates in crisis intervention using verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per training technique and seclusion/restraint policies/procedures 

• Assists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate 

• Leads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groups 

• Provides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goals 

• Gives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings 

• Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN 

• Conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit 

• Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu 

• Identifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge 

• Vital signs, intake and output, activity of daily living status 

• Gives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings 

• Shares observations and pertinent information with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregivers 

REQUIRED EDUCATION: 

• High School Degree or Equivalent  

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Patient care skills acquired through 1 year of previous direct patient care experience preferred 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients, families and staff 

• Ability to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient care 

• Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including: 

• knowledge of growth and development 

• provide age-appropriate communication