Job Description

The **Mental Health Worker **reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the supervision of a registered nurse (inpatient) or licensed health professional (outpatient), assists in providing care for individuals and groups of patients, and assists in maintaining a therapeutic environment.

_ Responsibilities:_

• Assists in initial and on-going identification of patient problems and strengths.
• Works cooperatively with interdisciplinary team members to assist in the development of treatment plans.
• Communicates patient status to registered nurse (inpatient) or licensed health professional (outpatient).
• Provides individual and group intervention to meet patient needs as directed by a licensed health professional.
• Leads or co-leads supportive groups, as determined by the manager.
• Supports patients in developing social, daily living and problem solving skills through individual, group or milieu contact.
• Responds to and follows through with patient needs and requests
• Assists patients in their relationships with others in the milieu.
• Fosters a milieu that is conducive to communication and cooperation among patients, families, visitors and staff.
• Identifies own role limitations and uses appropriate clinical resources.
• Documents timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient’s medical record.
• Assists in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff.
• Follows established policies, procedures and standards for patient care.

Additional Functions

• May assist patients with self-care routines, including bathing, dressing, oral/facial hygiene and toileting.
• Uses established communication channels to resolve work related problems.
• Understands and models “Patient First” standards.
• Participates in unit (program) meetings and Psychiatry Open Forums.
• Participates in orienting new mental workers and other staff as appropriate.
• Assumes responsibility for meeting mandatory requirements.
• Identifies performance areas for improvement and/or growth and pursues relevant educational opportunities.
• Participates in Departmental in-service training, Grand Rounds, workshops and seminars.
• Shares acquired information/knowledge with other staff members.
• Participates in Quality Improvement activities.
• Takes initiative to assist with the total unit (program) workload.
• Identifies and communicates issues and trends to manager and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Visually observe and document patient’s verbal and behavioral responses
• Communicate clearly and effectively to nurses, physicians, patients, families, guests and other members of the health care team.
• Respond to emergency signals and indicators.
• Observe and comprehend written and electronic format in a medical chart.
• Provide physical assistance to patients when indicated.
• Other program or shift specific tasks as assigned by manager.

AA/EOE

#INDC

#LI-AD1

Qualifications

_ Required:_

• BS or BA
• CPR and Crisis Prevention Training Certificate or Completion of training certificate within 90 days of being hired
• Ability to display concentration and attention span for brief and extended periods of time (up to 90 minutes) to perform tasks including patient monitoring.

_ Preferred:_

• Bachelors’ degree in human service field.
• Two years’ experience in providing supportive services to individuals with mental illness.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.