Mental Health Specialist

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The McLean Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Specialist provides direct patient care and participates in maintaining a safe, supportive, therapeutic milieu.

Does this position require patient care?
Yes

Essential Functions

• Assists the RN in providing direct patient care.
  Direct Patient Care
• Accurately and timely documents AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets.
• Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Participates in patient rounds and team discussions.
• Completes assigned patient care responsibilities.
• Identifies patient behaviors that may contribute to crisis development and uses verbal and non-verbal techniques to help de-escalate situations.
• Intervenes in complex patient situations and patient schedules using department policies and procedures, while promoting the least restrictive alternatives.
• Communicates changes in patient status to the RN.
• Follows standards of care and protocols for assigned patients.
• Remains awake and alert at all times while on the job.
• Performs point-of-care testing.
  Therapeutic Milieu
• Works effectively within the therapeutic milieu.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of patient groups.
• Provides and supervises recreation and other off-hall activities according to patient needs.
• Provides patients with direction, support, and supervision as needed.
• Follows established nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Actively assesses the milieu while assigned to checks, with particular attention to safety concerns.
  Unit Environment and Safety
• Participates in maintaining the unit environment to support safe patient care.
• Identifies and reports housekeeping concerns to the Unit Secretary or Nursing Director.
• Identifies and reports equipment concerns to the Unit Secretary or Nursing Director.
• Participates in the unit inventory process and reports when supplies are low.
• Initiates activities that help patients maintain a clean environment.
• Initiates activities that promote an organized, safe environment for patients and staff.
  Activities of Daily Living
• Assists patients with activities of daily living.
• Identifies patient hygiene needs and initiates interventions to meet those needs.
• Supports patients’ nutritional needs according to unit procedures.
• Assists and reassures patients during tests, exams, and procedures.
• Escorts and supervises patients on and off grounds while maintaining patient safety.
  Professional Growth and Competency
• Maintains a commitment to professional growth and ongoing competency.
• Completes mandatory in‑service requirements.
• Identifies strengths and areas for professional development with supervisor.
• Maintains competency in treating assigned age‑specific patient populations.
• Seeks constructive feedback on work performance from peers and professional colleagues.
• Participates in critical incident debriefings.

Qualifications

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
One year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting 1-2 years preferred and Previous experience in direct patient care preferred preferred

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work in…