Description
Purpose:The Mental Health Specialist 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:
- 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 considers the effect with community, caregivers, family members, and program staff.
- Participate as a Treatment Team member in assessing the social and emotional needs of the patient.
- Contribute in the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans and assists in the integration into comprehensive treatment plans.
- Supervise and assist patients with personal hygiene tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, caring for clothing, and organizing personal belongings on a daily basis.
- Plan and participates in educational, social and recreational activities for individuals and groups of patients in accordance with treatment plan goals.
- 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.
- Demonstrate knowledge of each patient as an individual within the framework of the family.
Qualifications
- Associate's degree with two (2) years work experience within MH/MR service. OR
- Bachelor's degree in associated field of study without on the job experience (i.e. psychology, sociology).
- Related work experience in hospital or community setting with psychiatric patients.
- May in the course of their job duties be in rooms where medications are stored. No contact with medications is allowed.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
- Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) - training required within 60 days of hire
- Act 34
- OAPSA
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
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