Mental Health Worker Per Diem

Boston Medical Center; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts

403(b) savings matches

Job summary

Boston Medical Center is seeking a Mental Health Specialist to join the Psychiatric Nursing team on a per diem basis. You will assist RNs, lead therapy groups, and educate patients and families about treatment goals in an inpatient setting for adults 18+.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, safety checks, vital signs, and collaboration with social workers to support discharge planning.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required with BLS certification.
• One year of direct patient care experience preferred.
• Ability to work with adults 18+ in an inpatient setting.

Responsibilities

• Participates in crisis intervention and CPI-based de-escalation.
• Assists RN with physical care and hygiene tasks.
• Leads and co-leads activity and therapeutic groups.
• Provides patient/family education regarding milieu and goals.
• Shares observations with social workers and treatment team.

Skills

CPI techniques

De-escalation

Patient care

Group therapy

Patient education

Observation

Vital signs

Safety checks

Education

High School Diploma or GED

BLS Certification

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: 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

Benefits and Compensation

• Compensation Range: $18.42- $27.37
• 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.

Boston Medical Center is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunities for all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic.

If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] or call 617-638-8582 to let us know the nature of your request.

Boston Medical Center participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. As an E-Verify employer, prospective employees of BMC must complete a background check before beginning their employment at the hospital.

BMC requires all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu, as well as receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.