Mental Health Disabilities Specialist - Boston, MA, United States - Tufts Medical Center

Description

We're saving lives, building careers, and reimagining healthcare. The Mental Health Specialist is a member of the multidisciplinary patient treatment team.

They implement clinical care responsibilities in accordance with unit/departmental policies, procedures and standards under the supervision of a registered nurse.

The Mental Health Specialist provides 1:1 support to patients who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis, including suicide ideation and/or self-harm.

The Mental Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients ranging in age from pre-school to older adult throughout Tufts Medical Center.

The Mental Health Specialist must possess the knowledge and ability to gather data reflective of the patient's age and developmental level in determining treatment needs.

shifts, rotating shifts (days, evenings, and nights), every other weekend.

At the beginning of shift, read all progress notes, test results and other patient data to determine patient status for past several shifts.

In partnership with a Behavioral Health Occupational Therapist, the Mental Health Specialists reviews and implements treatment plan/behavior management plan to achieve patient goals.

During the shift, talks with patient about mental status, behavior and progress patient is making towards identified treatment and discharge goals.

Throughout the shift, reports pertinent information to charge RN such as:
Physical complaints or any signs of physical illness

Documents patient activities, behavior and mental status each shift as it relates to the problem list and treatment plan.

Participates in crisis intervention through the use of verbal and physical de-escalation of potentially unsafe or aggressive behavior per CPI technique and seclusion/restraint policies/procedures.

Conducts patient safety checks as assigned to monitor both individual patient safety as well as unit mood and rising acuity concerns in the milieu.

Provides 1:1 support to the assigned patient during the entire shift.
Float to all units in Tufts Medical Center to support identified patients.
Educates staff on the patient's triggers warning signs, and coping skills.

On admission, conducts and/or assists RN with patient search for contraband, vital signs, height, weight and orientation to the unit.

Clarifies and implements unit rules indicated in patient guidelines.
Orients new staff to unit under the direction of the RN.
Serves as role model for other mental health specialist.
Attends and participates in psychiatry unit-based meetings and reads minutes when absent.

Promotes improvement of unit program through individual, committee, or quality assurance activities i.e., completing patient profiles, task force membership, quality assurance monitoring, and unit based supporting activities.

Cross trained to the inpatient psychiatric unit to work as a Mental Health Counselor when needed.

Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or related human service field.
Demonstrated skill in developing helpful relationships with patients, families and staff.
Ability to use a variety of medical equipment necessary in the delivery of quality patient care.
Basic computer proficiency.
Multilingual skills in languages appropriate to the patient populations served at TMC are preferred.
Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfer patients and equipment

Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, sick patients, bodily substances, noise and possible exposure to radiation, lasers, electric shock, etc.

Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases and other transmissible infections
May have contact with hazardous materials

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts.

Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine.

Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.