Mental Health Worker I - Continuous Posting

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Taunton (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate individuals for the role of Mental Health Worker I at Taunton State Hospital. This position involves providing essential care and support to adults facing mental health challenges. You will play a vital role in assisting patients with daily living activities, ensuring their dignity and well-being. The hospital is committed to a person-centered approach, emphasizing respect and empowerment for all patients. Join a dedicated team that values diversity and inclusivity, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve. This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to contribute to mental health care in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions effectively.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care services to adult mentally ill patients.
• Assist clients with daily living activities and promote independence.
• Serve as a client advocate, ensuring confidentiality and human rights.

Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Crisis Management

Ability to Follow Instructions

Judgment

Cultural Sensitivity

Physical Strength

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

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ALERT

Effective January 25, 2024, Executive Order #627 cements the Commonwealth's well-established practice of skills-based hiring, paving the way to a more equitable hiring process. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to serve our citizens. Join us today!

Job Description - Mental Health Worker I - Continuous Posting (250000P2)

Taunton State Hospital is seeking candidates for the Nursing Department to provide direct care and treatment to the adult mentally ill patients on the locked units of DMH at Taunton State Hospital under the direction of professional nursing staff. The MHW I will provide assistance, instruction and supervision in activities of daily living to include hygiene, care of living area, care of personal belongings. All interactions will be person centered utilizing a person first approach with safety of all being the number one priority while acknowledging the dignity of risk.

Please Note: This is an Open and Continuous Posting. These positions are 40 hours per week. Days Off: To Be Determined

Days - 6:45am - 3:15pm
Evenings - 2:45pm - 11:15pm
Overnights - 11:00pm - 7:00am

Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities

(these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provides direct care services daily to include but not limited to taking vital signs, monitoring intake and output as well as assisting clients with feeding and personal hygiene while instructing and assisting clients in learning skills of daily living to promote independent ADL functioning.
• Utilizes a Person First, Person Centered approach when working with clients in assisting them in their recovery.
• Provides care to the patients with respect to their needs as defined by the specific age population and/or culture. Assist in problem identification, planning and teaching by reporting pertinent observations to charge person.
• Serves as a client advocate, ensures that confidentiality and human rights are maintained.
• Ensures the spiritual needs of clients are met by coordinating with senior staff and/or charge nurse.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, expressing thoughts clearly and developing ideas in logical sequence.
• Ability to work in a team setting and in group situations.
• Ability to establish rapport & deal tactfully with persons from varied ethnic, cultural or economic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful or emergency situations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects or persons.

Preferred Qualifications

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH), operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), is a 45-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Job Details

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Taunton-60 Hodges Avenue

Job: Direct Care

Agency: Department of Mental Health

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Multiple

Job Posting: Mar 18, 2025, 9:47:49 PM

Salary: 45,942.52 - 58,097.26 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: William Herbert, [e-mail] - 6173488473

Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No