Mental Health Specialist I

1. Performs standard treatment procedures and activities (such as vital signs, preparing patient rooms for admissions, handling patient belongings, preparing, assisting with meals as necessary, distributing and removing food trays, assist in daily activities of living, ambulating, finger sticks utilizing the Cape Cod Hospital ("CCH") Glucometer, etc.).

2. Performs contraband checks under the direction of the RN in accordance with CCH Behavioral Health Services policies and procedures.

3. Keeps patient information confidential and respects patient's right to privacy in accordance with CCH policies and procedures and State and Federal regulations.

4. Assists with providing, structuring and maintaining a therapeutic environment in collaboration with the patients, other mental health care providers and other related hospital departments such as Dietary, Environmental Services, Lab, etc.

5. Performs accountability for observation checks, meal watches, and safety checks on all patients and communicates findings to interdisciplinary team and others as appropriate.

6. Observes patients for escalating behavior, patient interactions, or any behavior that may affect the safety of the milieu. Reports these issues to an RN immediately and gives verbal input into patient's plan of care.

7. Assists with crisis management procedures during clinical/medical emergencies.

8. Participates in the admissions process by completing the necessary components for Behavioral Health patient to be admitted.

9. Facilitates and/or participates in occupational, recreation and patient centered programs.

10. Escorts patient to other units, program areas, other hospital departments or other locations as needed.

11. Facilitates community meetings and clinical groups.

12. Contributes to interdisciplinary team and treatment planning.

13. Supports additional services as necessary for patient care.

14. Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment, reporting equipment out of order, clean equipment assigned, clean and straighten bed side stands and tables, clean and maintain utility, treatment and nourishment areas.

15. Participates in Process Improvement activities.

16. Completes annual and mandated continuing education programs and training courses specific to providing behavioral health care for the population being treated.

17. Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers.

18. Performs other work-related duties as directed or requested.

• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• High School graduate or GED.
• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Human 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 follow qualifications:

o One year (recent within the past 5 years) experience as a Mental Health worker, Mental Health assistant, or Nursing Assistant in a psychiatric facility.

o 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.