CNA Lead/Mental Health Assistant

State of South Dakota; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 23,014 - 32,778; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee health insurance

Eleven paid holidays

Generous vacation and sick leave

Dental and vision insurance options

Retirement benefits under SDRS

Job summary

The State of South Dakota is seeking a Mental Health Assistant in Yankton, SD. This role provides direct care services and assists with unit management for patients requiring mental health support.

Successful candidates will support patients' treatment needs while working multiple shifts, including weekends. Previous CNA experience is essential for applicants.

Comprehensive benefits include health insurance, vacation, and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Previous CNA experience is required.
• Ability to assist patients with mental health and chemical dependency issues.
• Eligible for Veterans’ Preference.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care services to patients.
• Assist with unit management duties.
• Support patients to meet their therapeutic needs.

Skills

unit routine and the physical and psychological needs of the mentally ill

patient safety procedures

effective methods of assigning and monitoring subordinates’ work

ability to follow instructions

empathy and support for patients

clear communication

ability to lift 75 lbs

dealing with aggressive behavior

Job description

Job ID: 36320

Agency: Department of Social Services / Human Services Center

Location: Yankton, SD

Salary: $20.25 hourly

Pay Grade: F

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Mental Health Assistant provides direct care services, assists with unit management duties, provides an atmosphere conducive to treatment, and supports patients with mental health and chemical dependency issues to meet their needs.

Multiple shifts available, including holidays and weekends.

Shift differentials: $2.00 for pm and night shift, $1.50 for weekend shift, $1.00 Geriatric pay.

The Human Services Center provides a comprehensive employee orientation, including completion of the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification. Previous CNA experience is required.

Knowledge Of

• unit routine and the physical and psychological needs of the mentally ill;
• patient safety procedures;
• standard treatment programs for the mentally ill;
• procedures for documenting patient behavior and progress;
• patient’s rights;
• effective methods of assigning and monitoring subordinates’ work and providing training.

Ability To

• provide work direction;
• follow oral and written instructions and procedures;
• carry out individual program plans for treatment of patients;
• accurately observe, recognize, report, and record physical symptoms and significant behavioral characteristics of patients;
• verbalize the needs of patients;
• be empathetic and supportive with patients;
• lift 75 lbs.;
• assist in lifting and moving patients;
• deal with aggressive behavior;
• communicate information clearly and concisely.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

Applicants holding a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) may submit the certificate with their application. It is not required.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"