Mental Health Specialist - Short Term Unit

McLean Hospital; Belmont (MA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The McLean Hospital Corporation is seeking a Mental Health Specialist to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. This role involves ensuring a safe, therapeutic milieu and coordinating with care teams on patient rounds and plans.

Responsibilities include documenting patient information, supporting daily living activities, de-escalation of crises, and adhering to unit policies. Training in Epic will be completed within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• One year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting; 1-2 years preferred.
• Must complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire.
• Successful passing (80% or higher) of Epic training modules is a minimum requirement.

Responsibilities

• Assist the RN in providing direct patient care and completing patient care assignments.
• Document AFS, progress notes, observation sheets, and other required information accurately and timely.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Participate in patient rounds, teams, and care planning as assigned.
• Identify behaviors that may contribute to crisis situations and use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Communicate changes in patient status to the RN and follow Standards of Care and protocols for assigned patients.
• Perform Point of Care testing as assigned.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Team collaboration

Epic training

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Epic

Job description

Site: The McLean Hospital Corporation Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Specialist provides direct patient care and supports a safe, therapeutic milieu.

Does this position require patient care? Yes

Essential Functions

Direct Patient Care

• Assist the RN in providing direct patient care and completing patient care assignments.
• Document AFS, progress notes, observation sheets, and other required information accurately and timely.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with patients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Participate in patient rounds, teams, and care planning as assigned.
• Identify behaviors that may contribute to crisis situations and use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Support complex patient situations and schedules using department policies, procedures, and the least restrictive alternatives.
• Communicate changes in patient status to the RN and follow Standards of Care and protocols for assigned patients.
• Remain awake, alert, and attentive while on duty.
• Perform Point of Care testing as assigned.

Therapeutic Milieu Support

• Participate in planning and implementing patient groups and therapeutic activities.
• Provide direction, support, supervision, and recreation or off-hall activities based on patient needs.
• Follow established Nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Monitor the milieu while assigned to checks, with attention to patient and staff safety.

Safety and Unit Environment

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Identify and report housekeeping, equipment, and supply concerns to appropriate unit staff.
• Support unit inventory processes and report when supplies are low.
• Encourage patient activities that support a clean, organized, and safe environment.

Activities of Daily Living

• Identify patient hygiene needs and assist with interventions to support daily living.
• Support patients' nutritional needs according to unit procedures.
• Assist and reassure patients during tests, exams, and procedures.
• Escort and supervise patients on and off grounds while maintaining safety.

Professional Growth and Competency

• Complete mandatory in-service requirements and maintain competency for assigned patient populations.
• Identify strengths and professional development opportunities with supervisor support.
• Seek constructive feedback from peers, supervisors, and professional colleagues.
• Participate in critical incident debriefing and related learning opportunities.

Qualifications

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

Licenses and Credentials

Experience

One year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting 1-2 years preferred and Previous experience in direct patient care preferred preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work in collaboration with others.
• Must complete and pass Epic training within 30 days of hire.
• Successful passing (80% or higher) of Epic training modules(s) is a minimum requirement of the job.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

The Short Term Unit (AB1 North & South) focuses on depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-injurious behavior, trauma, and personality disorders. We also commonly see comorbid substance use disorder, OCD, and eating disorders. Our patient interactions/interventions are therapeutic, highly interpersonal, and skills-based

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

115 Mill Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

24

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Rotating (United States of America)

Pay Range

$22.40 - $29.73/Hourly

Grade

MCL050At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.

EEO Statement

1600 The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.