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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.

+ Associate Degree with 2 years work experience within MH/MR service OR

+ Enrolled in Bachelor degree program in associated field of study with 2 years of experience in related work experience in hospital or community setting with psychiatric patients OR

+ Bachelors degree in Human Services field.

+ 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:** CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

+ Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran