Inpatient Mental Health Care Specialist

Hartford HealthCare; Norwich (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

401(k) plan with employer match up to

Generous paid time off

Tuition Assistance

Discounts on services and more

Job summary

Backus Hospital, part of Hartford HealthCare, seeks a Mental Health Worker to support adults with behavioral health needs in an inpatient setting. The role focuses on maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, assisting with daily activities, and supporting treatment plans under nursing supervision.

This position involves shift work, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Qualifications

• Two years direct experience in behavioral health or related field preferred.
• Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions in English.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patient behavior, safety, and well-being through regular observation and documentation.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, meals, and mobility.
• Support and facilitate therapeutic activities, groups, and structured programs.
• Implement and reinforce individualized treatment plans as directed by nurses or clinicians.
• De-escalate crisis situations using approved intervention techniques.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment on the unit.
• Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team regarding patient status and concerns.
• Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, confidentiality standards (e.g., HIPAA), and safety protocols.

Skills

Mental health disorders knowledge

Crisis de-escalation

Observation & documentation

Empathy

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Associate or Bachelor in psychology or related field preferred

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Backus Hospital, part of Hartford HealthCare, seeks a Mental Health Worker to support adults with behavioral health needs in an inpatient setting. The role focuses on maintaining a safe therapeutic environment, assisting with daily activities, and supporting treatment plans under nursing supervision.

This position involves shift work, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, in a fast-paced clinical environment.