mental health worker

Job Description

Mission Community Hospital, a 145-bed acute care facility located in the San Fernando Valley, is currently searching for full-time, Day/Night Shift, MHW positions for the ER Unit.

Job Summary

The MHW assists the licensed nurses in providing patient care in the mental healthcare setting. He/she communicates with the Administrator, Manager, Charge RN and co-workers as appropriate about changes in patient’s clinical condition including vital signs, behavioral and physical symptomatology. The BHU MHW is able to respond quickly to changes in patient’s status. He/She is able to perform basic nursing functions under direction of Charge nurse.

This position will be primarily working with the mentally ill adult patient population. Care is provided in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of the functional and/or developmental age of the individual served. Assists with activities of daily living (ADL’s), performs services requiring technical and manual skills on individual patient needs within the Mental Health Worker’s job description, and assists in maintenance of a safe and clean environment under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge of the team and/or nursing unit.

Specific areas of responsibility include baths, toileting, nutritional support/assistance, rounding, monitoring of patient vital signs/pain, ambulating/transferring/transporting, observing/reporting patient behaviors, ensuring safety/security, monitoring for contraband.

The MHW also assures that the rights of the patient/family are respected and maintained. S/he demonstrates the ability to safely and competently use equipment in the provision of department services. Demonstrates the highest level of commitment to delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate manner to the mentally ill.

The MHW exhibits a sense of urgency, appropriate to the situation, while communicating with Physicians/Director/Manager/Charge/House Supervisor/Co-Workers about changes in patient’s clinical condition. Additionally, is able to perform MHW duties in assigned department exhibiting a ‘can do’ attitude. Combine education/experience when formulating processes to implement care.

To participate in quality and process improvement(s) in the department during all phases from planning to implementing, and sustaining efforts, including taking corrective action if other employees fail to carry out delegated duties.

Qualifications

General Job Requirements, Certifications & Knowledge

Required

• Able to perform routine patient-care activities; physical strengths to assist patients in ambulating, turning in bed, and transferring in and out of bed or wheelchair.
• Good communication skills. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Able to perform simple arithmetic calculations.
• Ability to understand and use medical terminology.
• Current BLS/CPR
• FIRE Card obtained within 60 days of employment
• Initial MABPRO MAB or current MABPRO certification by completion of unit orientation
• Advanced MABPRO certification by completion of unit orientation

Preferred

• Six months as a Mental Health Worker, Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic preferred.