Mental Health Worker Per Diem

Boston Medical Center (BMC); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

Boston Medical Center in Boston, MA, is seeking a Per Diem Mental Health Worker to support the inpatient psychiatry unit. The role involves crisis intervention, assisting RNs with care, and leading group activities to support therapeutic goals.

The position emphasizes observation, documentation, and collaboration with social workers and clinical colleagues to advance patient care and discharge planning.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop helpful relationships with patients, families and staff.
• Ability to use basic medical equipment necessary for patient care.
• Ability to provide age-appropriate communication for adults (18+).

Responsibilities

• Participates in crisis intervention using verbal and physical de-escalation per CPI techniques and seclusion/restraint policies.
• Assists RN with administering physical care and personal hygiene.
• Leads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groups.
• Provides patient/family education and supports milieu programming and hospitalization goals.
• Documents progress and communicates observations to the Nurse Manager/Charge RN.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Patient care

Team collaboration

Verbal communication

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

BLS Certification

1 year direct patient care experience

Job description

Position Summary
The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team. He/she implements clinical care responsibilities in accordance with inpatient psychiatry department policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse. The Mental Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients from ages 18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist must possess the knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient’s age and developmental level in determining treatment needs.

Position Summary
The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary psychiatric patient treatment team. He/she implements clinical care responsibilities in accordance with inpatient psychiatry department policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a psychiatric registered nurse. The Mental Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients from ages 18 and above. The Mental Health Specialist must possess the knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient’s age and developmental level in determining treatment needs.

Position: Mental Health Worker
Department: Psych Nursing
Schedule: Per Diem
Essential Responsibilities / Duties

• Participates in crisis intervention through the use of verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per CPI technique and seclusion/restraint policies/procedures
• Assists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate
• Leads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groups
• Provides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goals
• Gives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings
• Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN
• Conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit
• Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu
• Identifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge
• Vital signs, intake and output, activity of daily living status
• Gives observation and input regarding the patient to Nurse Manager/Charge RN when unable to communicate directly at treatment team meetings
• Shares observations and pertinent information with social worker, clinical colleagues, and patient family/caregivers

Job Requirements
REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• High School Degree or Equivalent
• Certification in basic life support (BLS)
• Patient care skills acquired through 1 year of previous direct patient care experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients, families and staff
• Ability to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient care
• Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including:
• knowledge of growth and development
• provide age-appropriate communication

Compensation Range
$18.42- $27.37
This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans