Mental Health Assistant

Other Technicians & Technologies

Mental Health Assistant

22543

Skagit Valley Hospital

Supports emergency services and therapeutic team by providing clinical support through implementation of individual treatment plans. Works effectively and cooperatively within the workplace. Location/Department specific tasks and competencies may apply. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Actively work with patients who present to the emergency department with a mental health complaint or crisis. Perform safety assessment of patient environment, including room and patient belongings. Provide for continuous observation of patients in suicide risk precautions; either directly or in conjunction with a certified nursing assistant, patient companion or ED technician. Document patient information in medical record. Collect vital signs as directed by RN. Recognizing and reporting abnormal vital signs and reporting to the RN/MD. Stands by for exams requiring second person as witness or patient advocate as deemed appropriate by physician i.e. pelvic, rectal exam. Obtaining blood glucose performing EKGs. Orient patients to the environment upon admission. Document patient belongings as part of the intake process. May assist in data collection to support quality improvement as directed by the organization/unit. Enhance department goal of reducing restraint and seclusion events by maintaining the ability to manage patients experiencing psychiatric crisis through utilizing appropriate de-escalation techniques. Maintain the ability to motivate patients, through individual and group activities. Maintain knowledge of basic psychiatric terminology. Utilize strong observation skills related to changes in patient and milieu environment. Maintain ability to work within a physically demanding environment including: to push wheelchairs, stretchers and lift, position, and assist while restraining patients according to hospital policy. Remain competent in conducting a suicidal and violence screening. Assists in transporting patients to other departments for testing such as x-ray or CT. Participates as an active member of the care team, including participation in in timely change of shift reports. Assists in room and stretcher preparation, restocking linen, cleaning rooms and emptying kick buckets as needed; particularly when ED census is high, but behavioral health census is low. Maintain ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office (Outlook) and department specific software applications to perform work. Communicate effectively and cooperatively in the workplace. Actively contribute to the achievement of Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. Complete all mandatory learning requirements in a timely manner. Maintain current licensure and/or certification as required. Attend and actively participate in all department, team and/or committee meetings. Comply with all Skagit Regional Health, department and location specific policies and procedures. Works with Psychiatric patients in the Mental Health Center and the Emergency Department. Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.

Associate’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or behavioral health related field preferred.

Minimum two (2) years patient care experience in a hospital setting preferred. Emergency department experience preferred.

Current Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration required within ninety (90) days of hire. Current American Heart Association (AHA) healthcare provider BLS certification required. Hospital de-escalation training required within 6 months of hire. Current Certified Nursing Assistant certification OR Washington State Medical Assistant Registered or Certified required within 6 months of hire.

Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required. Must be able to effectively utilize Microsoft Office applications to perform work. Well-developed problem solving and analytical skills required. Must be able to effectively prioritize workload amongst frequent interruptions with competing priorities. Demonstrated ability to manage patients through appropriate utilization of de-escalation techniques. Ability to motivate patients through individual and group activities. Must possess a working knowledge of basic psychiatric terminology. Must be able to work in a physically demanding environment. Demonstrates competency in conducting suicidal and violence screening. Ability to coordinate work schedule with requirements of position (may include overtime and weekend work).