At ScionHealth , we empower our caregivers to do what they do best. We value every voice by caring deeply for every patient and each other. We show courage by running toward the challenge and we lean into new ideas by embracing curiosity and question asking. Together, we create our culture by living our values in our day-to-day interactions with our patients and teammates.
Job Summary
- The Mental Health Worker provides supportive care to patients receiving inpatient behavioral health services. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Worker assists with activities of daily living, maintains a safe and therapeutic environment, monitors patient behavior, and supports treatment interventions. This role contributes to the overall care team by observing, reporting, and documenting patient progress, assisting in crisis intervention, and participating in therapeutic activities designed to promote recovery.
Essential Functions
Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, nutrition, and mobilityObserve patients and promptly report changes in behavior, mood, or physical condition to the nursing teamMaintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environmentMonitor patients for safety, including suicide risk precautions, elopement risk, and use of restraints per policySupport therapeutic programming by encouraging patient participation and assisting in group activitiesDe-escalate and intervene in crisis situations using approved techniques to maintain safetyAccurately document patient care and progress in the medical recordCollaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to support individualized treatment goalsProvide age-appropriate care across the lifespan in accordance with hospital policyKnowledge / Skills / Abilities / Expectations
Ability to interact therapeutically with patients while maintaining professional boundariesEffective verbal and written communication skillsKnowledge of behavioral health principles, safety practices, and patient rightsAbility to manage stressful situations and respond calmly in emergenciesTeam-oriented with strong interpersonal skillsCommitment to maintaining confidentiality and compliance with regulationsRegularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hearFrequent reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting of patients or objects up to 50 poundsOccasional stooping, kneeling, or crouchingAbility to visually and audibly monitor patient behavior and safety needsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functionsWork performed in an inpatient behavioral health unit with potential exposure to patients experiencing psychiatric crisesMay involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials, following standard precautionsNoise level may be moderate to loud depending on patient activityRequires flexibility in scheduling, including weekends, holidays, and varying shifts to meet patient care needsQualifications
Education
High school diploma or equivalent requiredAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferredLicenses / Certifications
No license required upon hireCertifications such as CPR / BLS and crisis prevention / intervention training must be obtained within time frame required by facility policyExperience
Experience working in a behavioral health, psychiatric, or healthcare setting preferred