Mental Health Specialist: Crisis Care & Patient Support

Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Shift differentials

Career advancement

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Garfield Park Behavioral Health Hospital seeks a dedicated Mental Health Specialist to provide direct patient care under RN supervision. You will help maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu, participate in crisis intervention, and assist with activities of daily living to support patients across youth to adults.

The role emphasizes compassionate care, documentation, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in a busy psychiatric setting.

Qualifications

• Education required: High School diploma or GED; 5+ years psychiatric experience or related equivalent.
• Associates degree accepted with comparable experience.
• One year of experience in mental health or related coursework/internships.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform crisis intervention techniques (verbal and physical) and respond to code situations.
• Monitor patient safety with continuous 15-minute rounding.
• Therapeutically communicate with patients to support care.
• Recognize and communicate patients' physical and psychological status.
• Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living when necessary.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Therapeutic communication

Vital signs/ nursing progress notes

Group therapy facilitation

Patient safety monitoring

Least restrictive measures

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associates degree (accepted with equivalent experience)

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (preferred)

State EMT & Paramedic Certificate

Tools

EMT/Paramedic Certification

Job description

Garfield Park Behavioral Health Hospital seeks a dedicated Mental Health Specialist to provide direct patient care under RN supervision. You will help maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu, participate in crisis intervention, and assist with activities of daily living to support patients across youth to adults.

The role emphasizes compassionate care, documentation, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in a busy psychiatric setting.