Mental Health Worker (MHW) - Part Time, Evenings/Mid (Van Nuys)

Southern California Hospitals; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern California Hospitals seeks a Mental Health Worker to assist nursing staff with care of behavioral and emotionally disturbed patients. Responsibilities include vital signs, hygiene support, safety, and unit cleanliness, plus stocking and basic clerical tasks.

The role requires high school completion, prior patient care exposure, and English proficiency. AHA BLS and LA Fire Safety Card are required or pursued upon start; CNA CA certification is a preferred qualification.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• Prior patient care experience, in-service training or formal training required.
• AHA Basic Life Support certification required.
• Understanding of basic medical terminology.
• Must read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Customer service skills critical for interacting with patients and families.
• Management of Assaultive Behavior Certification upon start date.
• Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only) optional if applicable.

Responsibilities

• REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION OF CARE: Accurately measures and records patient weights and vital signs.
• PATIENT COMFORT AND PRIVACY: Assists with hygiene, elimination, ADLs, and maintains privacy and infection control.
• COLLABORATION FOR PATIENT CARE: Assists with patient care activities as directed by licensed nurse.
• COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates independent judgement and proactive, caring behavior.

Skills

Customer service

Effective communication

Reading and writing English

Basic medical terminology

Patient care experience

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

AHA Basic Life Support

Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (LA)

CA CNA certification (preferred)

Job description

Position Summary

The Mental Health Worker aids professional and technical nursing personnel primarily by accomplishing a variety of duties and procedures which are directly related to the care of behavioral impaired or emotionally disturbed patients. Primary duties include taking and recording vital signs, assisting patients with hygiene and elimination, ensuring the safety of the patient, and maintaining a clean and safe unit environment. Assists with stocking unit supplies, operating hospital equipment as directed, performing routine clerical tasks, and assisting with other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Demonstrated prior patient care experience, in-service training or formal training
• AHA Basic Life Support
• Understanding of basic medical terminology
• Must be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English
• Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job
• Management of Assaultive Behavior Certification upon start date
• Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families
• Certification as a Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the state of CA

Physical Requirements

These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and applicable, state and local law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Occasionally
• Reaching with Hands and Arms - Constantly
• Climb or Balance - Frequently
• Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, or Crawling - Occasionally
• Talking - Frequently
• Hearing - Constantly
• Seeing - Constantly
• Performing repetitive motions with arms or hands - Constantly
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 10 lbs - Constantly
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 25 lbs - Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs - Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling greater than 50 lbs - Frequently
• Driving - None

Essential Job Functions / Major Areas of Responsibility

The essential functions below are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned to this position, nor does it restrict the duties which may be assigned to this position if such duties reasonably relate to the position.

• REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION OF CARE: Accurately measures and records patient weights and vital signs. Recognizes and reports changes in the patient's condition, takes appropriate action and accurately documents all activities as required. Receives and accurately inventories and secures patient belongings as appropriate.
• PATIENT COMFORT AND PRIVACY: Assists patient with hygiene, elimination, routine skin care, comfort measures and other Activities of Daily Living (ADL), in consideration of patient age, gender, culture and stated preferences, maintaining patient privacy and respect at all times. Listens and provides emotional support and encouragement for behavioral patients. Assumes responsibility for maintaining a clean and safe environment. Ensures Infection Control procedures and HIPAA compliance.
• COLLABORATION FOR PATIENT CARE: Assists with patient care activities as directed by licensed nurse, including specimen collection/transport, turning & positioning, and patient transportation.
• COMMUNICATION: Actively engages in caring behaviors, taking conscious ownership for work and takes a proactive, deliberate, and thoughtful actions regarding work activities. Demonstrates appropriate use of independent judgement and decision making.

Pay Rate: Min - $20.22 | Max - $26.66