Mental Health Specialist 2

University of Washington Medical Center; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harborview Medical Center’s 5WA Psychiatry Department is offering a Mental Health Specialist 2 role on a 32-hour per week daytime schedule. The position emphasizes crisis response, patient safety, and coordination with the care team.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, patient assessments, court-related paperwork, and basic care tasks under RN supervision. A Bachelor’s degree plus WA NAC/NAR certification is required, with experience in crisis settings preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; and one year as a Mental Health Specialist I, or equivalent; experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid/Active Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) or Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) with the state of Washington.

Responsibilities

• Respond to and participate in Code Gray alerts and other crisis situations, securing patients in the unit and assisting staff.
• Participate in crisis intervention/crisis prevention training.
• Participate in the team’s assessment of the patient and contribute to discharge planning.
• Examine new patient belongings and remove hazardous objects.
• Check visitors and remove hazardous items.
• Participate in suicide assessments.
• Observe and report signs of distress in patients.
• Deliver notices to patients regarding court procedures and assist with court paperwork.
• Assist patients in obtaining treatment through court-mandated processes.
• Perform basic physical care as delegated by RNs.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Crisis training participation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

NAC/NAR certification

Job description

Job Description

Harborview Medical Center’s 5WA Psychiatry Department has an outstanding opportunity for a Mental Health Specialist 2.

WORK SCHEDULE

• 32 hours per week

• Day Shift
  

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to and participate in Code Gray alerts and other crisis situations, securing patients in the unit, assisting staff respond safely to emergency situations and following the directives of the charge nurse

• Participates in crisis intervention/crisis prevention training

• Participate in the team’s assessment of the patient, contribute to patient discharge plan and form

• Examine new patient belongings and remove hazardous objects, drugs and other items that are dangerous or potentially dangerous to the health of the patient

• Check visitors and remove hazardous items that could put patients or staff at risk

• Participate in suicide assessments

• Alert nurse to changes in patient behavior or demeanor, observe and report signs of distress in patients

• Deliver notices to patients regarding court procedures and treatment and assist patients in completing paperwork from the court

• Assist patients in obtaining treatment through court- mandated processes such as delivery of 24-hour treatment notices

• Performs basic physical care and other tasks delegated by RN’s
  

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree; AND one year as a Mental Health Specialist I, or equivalent; experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Valid/Active Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) or Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) with the state of Washington. Prior to employment

• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration

ABOUT HARBORVIEW MEDICAL CENTER

As the region’s only Level I Trauma and verified burn center, Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine. It is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County. It provides exemplary patient care in leading-edge centers of emphasis, including emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse care.

Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region.

Challenge. Collaboration. Compassion.

ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team.

Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$30.30 hourly

Pay Range Maximum:

$43.41 hourly

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

80.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

WFSE HMC

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.