Mental Health Worker - Inpatient NBMU - 141975

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a compassionate Mental Health Worker to support the NBMU Adult Service on an 18-bed unit. Under RN supervision, you will assist with activities of daily living, monitor vital signs, and document in the EMR while participating in group and crisis intervention activities.

The role requires CNA and CPI certifications, two years of relevant experience including direct patient care, and the ability to handle a fast-paced environment with diverse patients.

Qualifications

• Must hold CNA certification.
• BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to obtain BART within six months.
• Two years of relevant experience, including one year direct patient care.
• Experience with inpatient psychiatric patients.

Responsibilities

• Assist with activities of daily living (feeding, bathing, ambulation, etc.).
• Document vital signs and care in the EMR flow sheets.
• Participate in milieu groups and crisis intervention.
• Work with potentially aggressive patients.
• Perform other related tasks as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Diversity awareness

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

Education

CNA certification

CPI certification

Tools

EMR documentation

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/28/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit (NBMU) Adult Service is an 18-bed locked inpatient unit for patients age 18 years and older with a variety of psychiatric conditions. Treatment takes place within a multidisciplinary team format with shared responsibility and includes the following: pharmacotherapy; psychotherapeutic and behavioral interventions; electroconvulsive therapy; family therapy; neuropsychological assessments; group therapy; recreational therapy; and health education.

Under the RN's supervision, the Mental Health Worker assists with direct patient care. This includes activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, ambulating, and taking vital signs. Documents accurate information into the EMR flow sheets. Participates in milieu groups and demonstrates knowledge of therapeutic and crisis intervention skills. Ability to work with potentially aggressive patients. Performs other related tasks as required.

• BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Two (2) years of relevant experience, including one (1) year of experience providing direct patient care.

• Excellent communication skills with patients, staff, and other disciplines in a constructive, professional manner.

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population.

• Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

• CPI or equivalent certification.

• Experience with inpatient psychiatric patients.

• Previous experience working with geriatric and dementia patients.

• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call, and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $55,666 - $73,456 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $26.66 - $35.18

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).