UPMC Western Maryland’s Behavioral Health Unit is looking for a full-time Mental Health Specialist/Safety! This full time position will work variable shifts and rotating weekends and holidays. Looking for a great position to break into the Mental Health field? Make sure to apply today! 

The Mental Health Specialist/Safety is responsible for assisting in the development and maintenance of a therapeutic environment for patients experiencing emotional disturbance. Also assists with the specialized patient care needs of each individual patient using principles of adult development and knowledge of psychopathology.

Responsibilities:

A

Patient Care and Support

Develop supportive interpersonal relationships with individuals and groups of patients in accordance with treatment plan goals and that will continue the patient’s development as an adult. Supervise and assist patients with personal hygiene tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, caring for clothing, and organizing personal belongings on a daily basis. Participate as a Treatment Team member in assessing the social and emotional needs of the patient. Assess for changes in patient behavior that may require a 1:1 interaction to provide early intervention. Document patient encounters in medical record/progress note. May engage/encourage patients to participate in a safety-related group/activity. Demonstrate knowledge of each patient as an individual within the framework of the family. Plan and participate in educational, social, and recreational activities for individuals and groups of patients in accordance with treatment plan goals.

Safety and Crisis Management

Assist in physical restraint techniques necessary in an attempt to control violent, combative patients and maintain a safe environment with respect to age-specific competencies and guidelines in conformance with seclusion and restraint policies and positive approaches training. Initiate debriefing sessions and provide feedback to staff after seclusion and restraint situations and any crisis situation. Conduct proactive safety rounds throughout the units, monitoring the milieu. Conduct Environmental Safety Rounds each shift and document/report any unsafe conditions as well as any security violations. Monitor the milieu for any safety concerns or risks. Respond to all Condition M calls in a professional manner with respect to age-specific guidelines and competencies. Provide trainings in safety issues specific to the needs of the units based on specific needs of patients and staff.

Policy and Procedure Adherence

Adhere to established policies, procedures, and standards of care. Function within the philosophy of the Behavioral Health Center. Acknowledge the specific nature of the patient’s dysfunction and consider the effect with community, caregivers, family members, and program staff. Contribute to the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans and assist in the integration into comprehensive treatment plans. Provide assistance as requested to clinical staff in the care and safety of patients, staff, or visitors.

Administrative and Miscellaneous Tasks

May assist with the Mental Health Hearing process based on staffing needs. May meet and greet ambulance personnel bringing admissions and assure commitment documentation is complete. Monitor visiting hour activity, ensuring no visiting takes place in patient rooms, no contraband is passed off by visitors to patients, and the milieu remains calm. Assist in investigating reports of incidents, including patient-related issues, and any other areas considered to be of importance in the day-to-day operation of the unit.