Mental Health Worker

 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 the 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 the Nursing Coordinator or designee 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 the scope of knowledge where applicable through continuing education.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience :

•  MHW, under the direction of an RN, carries out assigned tasks and provides direct service to patients / residents in an acute psychiatric care facility.

Documents Required :