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.
At the beginning of shift, attends shift report, reads all progress notes, test results and other patient data to determine patient status for past several shifts.
Reviews and implements treatment plan/behavior management plan to achieve patient goals
Reads treatment plans and daily mental status assessments on patients to ensure consistent and accurate delivery of care
Meets with patient early in shift to review the schedule for the day
During the shift, talks with patient about mental status, behavior and progress patient is making towards identified treatment and discharge goals
Throughout the shift, reports pertinent information to charge RN such as:
Level of safety
Changes in behavior
Increase in agitation
Physical complaints or any signs of physical illness
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
Documents patient activities, behavior and mental status each shift as it relates to the problem list and treatment plan
Conducts individual contacts with patient throughout shift to introduce self and review patient needs
Identifies patients teaching needs and reports them to the RN
Identifies issues related to progress towards discharge or any barriers to discharge
Encourages participation in therapeutic group programs and individualize behavior plans
Provides patient/family education and supports regarding milieu programming, goals of hospitalization and therapeutic interventions in support of meeting those goals
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
Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu
On admission, conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit
Clarifies and implements unit rules indicated in patient handbook
Continuously evaluates patient progress toward goals clearly evident in documentation, participation in treatment planning, shift report and report to charge RN
Provides constructive peer feedback
Orients new staff to unit under the direction of the RN
Assists RN in administering physical care and personal hygiene measures to assigned patients as appropriate
Serves as role model for other mental health counselors
Leads and co-leads therapeutic process oriented and activity groups
Preserves patient rights relative to all aspects of patient care
Attends and participates in unit-based meetings and reads minutes when absent
Completes annual mandatory education and accepts responsibility for developing education plan in meeting learning needs with nurse manager
Demonstrates ability to accept and respond to feedback regarding clinical and professional issues from peers and nurse manager and utilizes the feedback to improve practice and skill
Promotes improvement of unit program through individual, committee, or quality assurance activities i.e., completing patient profiles, task force membership, quality assurance monitoring, and unit based supporting activities
Assists in maintaining a clean, safe and respectful environment
Demonstrates assertive, professional and constructive communication to other members of the healthcare team and demonstrates overall teamwork spirit
Utilizes professional problem-solving techniques to manage conflict
Must adhere to all of BMC’s Values and Behavioral Standards
Bachelor’s degree OR HS Diploma/GED and 2 years experience in the mental health/related field OR Mental Health Specialist certificate
