Mental Health Specialist (CNA) / On-Call

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care; Kent (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care in Kent, WA, is looking for a Mental Health Specialist (CNA) to provide essential patient care and support. The role includes patient interaction, assessment, and assisting with daily living activities.

The ideal candidate holds a CNA certification with a high school diploma and is committed to providing compassionate care. This position may include exposure to challenging situations requiring a proactive approach. Join us in making a positive impact on our community!

Qualifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Washington.
• High School Diploma/GED required.
• CPI Certification required within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide feedback to the care team regarding care plans.
• Conduct front-line patient care.
• Assist clients with daily living activities.
• Record patient health care information.

Skills

Basic knowledge of mental health and substance abuse disorders

Strong verbal and written communication proficiencies

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

Exceptional interpersonal and social perceptiveness skills

Service-oriented behavior

Proactive learning behavior

Flexibility and adaptability

Computer/technology literacy and proficiency

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Washington

CPI Certification required

Job description

Position: Mental Health Specialist (CNA) / On-Call

Location: Recovery Place Kent, WA

Job Id: 824

Number of Openings: 0

About Us

As a non-profit organization, Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care is dedicated to serving our community by offering a wide range of mental health services, from inpatient to outpatient care. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Join us in making a difference every day!

Essential Job Functions

• Provide feedback and recommendations to the care team regarding behavioral aspects of patient interdisciplinary care plans.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to the care team regarding patient service improvements.
• Assist in the detection and proactive intervention with patients at-risk for behavioral escalation.
• Conduct front‑line patient care including the taking and recording of pertinent medical information as delegated by nursing staff, such as vital signs, blood pressure, temperature, etc.
• Assist clients with basic activities of daily living tasks, including ambulation assistance, bathing, toileting, etc.
• Maintain consistent team communication with nursing staff (RNs and LPNs) regarding medical monitoring results and observed physical health or behavioral concerns.
• Enter, transcribe, record, and maintain patient health care information in written and/or electronic form.
• Observe and influence patient behavior with therapeutic interventions in the milieu through conflict resolution, communication and interaction, initiation of therapeutic activities, and use of non‑violent de‑escalation skills.
• Assist nurses with admissions and discharge processes and inter‑facility transfers, including belongings inventory, transmission and gathering of records, compilation of patient charts, assisting patients with dressing/undressing/hygiene, providing and collecting linens, taking vitals as delegated, etc.
• Apply and/or facilitate the safe and appropriate application of restraints as per policy and protocol.
• Provide 1:1 sitting for patients who are behaviorally escalated, have a history of behavioral concerns, are attending court on‑site, and/or are currently in seclusion and/or restraint.
• Demonstrate respect for, and enforce patient rights, and maintain confidentiality as per HIPAA and agency policy.
• Record patient observations and activities in patient records accurately and timely in accordance with nursing standards and organizational policy and procedure.
• Maintain a safe environment by applying principles of medical asepsis, infection control techniques, and universal precautions. Follow agency infection control plan and policies.
• Change linens and sanitize patient rooms and bathrooms as per policy for cleaning up bodily fluids or other spills, and/or admitting new patients.
• Follow all policies and procedures with regard to patient information protection, including mental health and alcohol‑drug patient confidentiality (42 CFR) and HIPAA (45 CFR).
• Attend mandatory trainings and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned within appropriate scope.
• Must work at least 3 shifts per month, including 1 weekend shift.
• Must work at least 1 major and 1 minor holiday per calendar year.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant in the State of Washington.
• High School Diploma/GED required.
• CPI Certification required within 6 months of hire (training provided by Valley Cities).
• Pass required background checks.

Experience

• One or more years in a Psychiatric or Acute Care setting preferred.
• One or more years working in a setting with clients living with mental health or substance use disorders preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
• Strong verbal and written communication proficiencies.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal and social perceptiveness skills.
• Service‑oriented behavior.
• Proactive learning behavior.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Computer/technology literacy and proficiency.

Working Conditions

Direct patient care requires the ability to lift, push, pull, twist, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs. without assistance. Most work takes place in an acute inpatient setting, where the noise level is typical with telephones, personal interruptions, and a multiplicity of background noises. Performance of duties as a Mental Health Specialist may include exposure to hazardous materials (such as body fluids, needle sticks). In the event of emergency, disaster, or extreme weather conditions, Mental Health Specialists may be required to remain in the facility to ensure patients receive proper care if there is a staffing shortage.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are dedicated to Equal Opportunity Employment & embrace the contributions of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans and does not unlawfully discriminate under federal, state, or local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status. This employer participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E‑Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E‑Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑9.

Valley Cities also provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices fully required by law. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.