Job Overview
Mental Health Counselor/ 32hr Nights-Psychiatry
– (3193342)
JOB SUMMARY:
The Mental Health Counselor provides care to patients under the direction of the Registered Nurse. The MHC contributes to the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of patient care within the scope of hospital policies, procedures and standards. The MHC collaborates/cooperates with nursing staff and other health care personnel to promote treatment and recovery of patients.
Knowledge and understanding of psychiatric conditions is essential to the effective functioning of the Mental Health Counselor in the psychiatric setting. The Mental Health Counselor is a member of the nursing staff who works collaboratively to ensure a safe, therapeutic treatment environment. Mental Health Counselors assist with behavioral or management issues in either inpatient psychiatric area and other areas of the hospital as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Employs de-escalation techniques to ensure patient, unit, and staff safety.
- Participates in physical/mechanical restraint of patients.
- Assists in crisis situations in other areas of the hospital as needed.
- Interacts with patients on a one to one basis offering support, education, and diversional activities.
- Monitors patients and interactions between patients.
- Completes safety checks of patients and milieu as assigned.
- Reports significant information to the RN and treatment team.
- Provides one to one observation to clients in crisis as necessary or as assigned by the charge nurse.
- Provides support to clients in crisis as needed or as assigned.
- Leads educational, support, and activity groups as assigned and in coordination with the department’s occupational therapy program.
- Assists patients with activities of daily living and performs these activities for patients who are unable to care for themselves such as basic care needs including bathing/showering, grooming, clothing, feeding or any personal hygiene needs.
- Attends to patient’s elimination needs by assisting with bedpan, urinal, bathroom or commode.
- May document patient condition and behavior in medical record.
- Accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her actions in delivering patient care.
- Communicates effectively and establishes good rapport with all levels of personnel, patients, and visitors.
- Participates in the department’s patient safety and quality improvement activities.
- Advocates for patients and families and refers patients to the Human Rights Officer as appropriate.
- Works with the RN to provide a therapeutic milieu.
- Obtains patient weights, vital signs, specimen collection.
- May complete blood sugar monitoring on assigned patients.
- Makes decisions in collaboration with the RN that reflect the evaluation of all pertinent data utilized in the problem solving process.
- Participates in the education of patients, families and other staff.
- Moves patients and equipment as patient care needs dictate.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Job Knowledge and Skills: Must have demonstrated clinical competency, including group leadership skills, in appropriate psychiatric settings. Evidence of this should include: effective communication, the ability to problem solve, get along well with others, and confront issues appropriately.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or related field preferred.
- Experience: At least 1 year psychiatric experience required. Knowledge and experience in the Chemical Dependency field preferred.
- Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations (if applicable) : none
PHYSICAL STANDARDS OF JOB DESCRIPTION:
The MHC works in a variety of patient care environments where there may be exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials such as chemotherapeutic agents, radioisotopes and radiation. Caring for patients also involves exposure to human waste and other unpleasant elements. Other duties may include general cleaning with exposure to dirt, odors, cramped quarters, etc. MHC’s may work with angry, agitated, and combative patients.
Physical Standards for Job Description
Please check as applicable
Constantly – 75% or more of the worker’s time is spent in the activity
Frequently – 25% to 75% or more of the worker’s time is spent in this activity
Occasionally – 5% to 25% or more of the worker’s time is spent in this activity
Rarely – Fewer than 5% or more of the worker’s time is spent in the activity
NA – not applicable
GENERAL TASKS
Basic activity being performed
C
F
O
R
N/A
Comments
Walking
X
Standing
X
Sitting with back support
X
Sitting without back support
X
Reaching
Overhead
X
Forward
X
Lateral
X
Low
X
Stooping
X
Bending at waist
X
Crouching
X
Bending at knees
X
Kneeling
X
Climbing
X
Crawling
X
Twisting
X
Balance
X
Other __________________
The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of personnel so classified.
Primary Location MA-Newton-NWH Main Campus
Work Locations NWH Main Campus 2014 Washington Street Newton 02462
Job Mental Health Worker
Organization Newton-Wellesley Hospital(NWH)
Schedule Part-time
Standard Hours 32
Shift Night Job
Posted Shift Description 8hr night shifts x4 (11:15p-7:15a) working every 3rd weekend and holiday
Employee Status Regular
Recruiting Department NWH Psychiatry
Job Posting Apr 7, 2022
