Job Description

NH Hospital Mental Health Worker (MHW) Program All newly hired mental health workers participate in a 5-week paid orientation. Orientation consists of a combination of classroom and clinical experiences to enhance learning of the role and responsibilities of the MHW. Weeks 1-4: Monday - Friday, 7:45 am - 4:15 pm OR 6:45 am - 3:15 pm. Week 5: clinical experience on the shift of hire. Position Summary MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I – Under the direction of the registered nurse, carries out assigned tasks and provides direct care services to patients in an acute psychiatric care facility setting. MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II – Under the direction of the registered nurse, carries out assigned tasks and contributes to direct care services for patients in an acute psychiatric care facility setting.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS

Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I

Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent credential License/Certification: Valid driver’s license Other Requirements: Must be physically capable of safely restraining patients when clinically required Must be able to work additional hours beyond a normal shift when necessary Trainee Option: Not applicable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I

Strong interpersonal communication skills to engage effectively with coworkers, patients, and families Some background in psychology, social science, special education, a health profession, or a related field or in the care of mentally ill or emotionally disturbed individuals in a psychiatric facility, as a Mental Health Worker, or in a related field

AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I

Certification as a Mental Health Worker within the first 2 months of hire Completion of the State’s defensive driver training within the first 6 months of hire CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I In-Band Advancement Available: No Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes (Criteria: 31113301BGA01 – Level 1 to Level 2). For promotion from the 31‑1133 Psychiatric Aides‑1 job title to the 31‑1133 Psychiatric Aides‑2 job title, eligibility requirements in Personnel Rule 303.08 Broad Group Level Advancement must be satisfied, as well as: Has 1 year of experience functioning as a Mental Health Worker I Receives a satisfactory performance evaluation and is free of discipline, pursuant to Personnel Rule 1003.01, for 1 year immediately prior to promotion Is up‑to‑date on all mandatory in‑house training Receives a performance‑based recommendation for promotion from the supervisor(s) and approval from the director of nursing

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II

Education/Experience: Equivalent combination of 1 year of education and experience after completion of high school License/Certification: Valid driver’s license Other Requirements: Must be physically capable of safely restraining patients when clinically required Must be able to work additional hours beyond a normal shift when necessary Trainee Option: Not applicable

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II

Strong interpersonal communication skills to engage effectively with coworkers, patients, and families Some background in psychology, social science, special education, a health profession, or a related field or in the care of mentally ill or emotionally disturbed individuals in a psychiatric facility, as a Mental Health Worker, or in a related field

AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II

Certification as a Mental Health Worker within the first 2 months of hire Completion of the State’s defensive driver training within the first 6 months of hire CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II In-Band Advancement Available: No Broad Group Level Advancement Available: No Responsibilities – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I Assists in the admission procedure, searches for contraband, orients the patient to the unit/hospital environment, identifies and records the patient’s valuables, and completes documentation requirements to assure quality patient care. Communicates significant changes in patient status and reports all untoward patient actions and/or symptoms to the nurse in charge to assure safety and continuity of care. Supports patients, as necessary, in bathing, showering, and other hygiene needs. Maintains awareness of patients’ special diet/eating needs and provides a record of the patient’s intake to ensure nutritional needs are met. Identifies the need for walk groups, quiet games, arts, etc. Monitors, provides, and maintains a safe, clean environment per fire safety and infection control standards, using personal protective equipment when indicated. Seeks appropriate supervision from the Nursing Coordinator/designee to assure safe practices. Applies principles of Orlando Nursing Theory and the Crisis Management Program to maintain a therapeutic environment. Uses a supportive approach with anxious, agitated patients, providing an alternative to violent behavior. Implements an individualized plan of care; provides 1:1 observation of suicidal patients and obtains vital signs. Reinforces treatment goals during daily interactions, supporting patient understanding of supervision status. Documents objective data and subjective inferences (e.g., notes gait, medication side‑effects). Escorts, supports, and supervises patients at appointments, legal proceedings, home placements, and other activities, ensuring patient safety. Maintains current knowledge of hospital, departmental, and unit changes by attending staff meetings, reviewing policies and procedures, and seeking continuing education opportunities. Maintains a positive customer‑service‑oriented attitude, professional and courteous demeanor, and professional appearance. Maintains safe body mechanics during physically demanding, unpredictable, or hazardous patient care situations (e.g., safety transports of aggressive patients). Staff Workplace Safety Accountabilities – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I Maintain competency in hospital‑approved Crisis Management Program (CMP) and Cardio‑Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques for adults, infants, children, and AED training. Perform accountabilities per established policies and procedures. Communicate supervisor‑related workplace safety issues (ergonomics, body mechanics, environment, equipment). Report injuries to supervisor immediately. Attend training programs as appropriate. Total Commitment to Quality – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER I Participate in continuous quality improvement by supporting unit/department‑based activities. Demonstrate commitment to customer service values through professional conduct and promotion of such values in the work area. Responsibilities – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II Assists in admission procedure, contraband search, orientation, valuables recording, and documentation for good patient care. Communicates significant changes in patient status, reporting all untoward actions to nurse in charge, and seeks supervision from Nursing Coordinator/designee. Supports and supervises patients with hygiene needs, maintains awareness of special diet/eating needs, records intake, ensures safe body mechanics during physically demanding, hazardous situations. Assesses need for walk groups, quiet games, arts, and plans activities to meet basic health/social needs. Demonstrates knowledge of patient histories/conditions and provides testimony during legal proceedings. Maintains confidentiality. Monitors, provides, and maintains a safe clean environment per fire safety and infection control standards. Applies principles of Orlando Nursing Theory and CMP to maintain a therapeutic environment. Implements individualized plan of care; recommends changes, develops alternatives, provides 1:1 observation of suicidal patients, obtains vital signs, recommends non‑restrictive activities. Reinforces treatment goals, supports patient understanding of supervision status. Escorts, supports, and supervises patients at appointments, legal proceedings, home placements, ensuring safety. Supports quality improvement data collection and contributes to unit‑based quality assurance efforts. Completes mandatory annual training, maintains current knowledge through meetings and policy reviews, expands knowledge through continuing education. Maintains a positive customer‑service‑oriented attitude, professional demeanor, and appearance. Participates in on‑unit orientation and mentoring of new staff. Willing to perform other duties as assigned to assure smooth unit operations. Staff Workplace Safety Accountabilities – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II Maintain competency in hospital‑approved CMP and CPR for adults, infants, children, and AED training. Perform accountabilities per established policies and procedures. Communicate supervisor‑related safety issues (ergonomics, body mechanics, environment, equipment). Report injuries to supervisor immediately. Attend training programs as appropriate. Total Commitment to Quality – MENTAL HEALTH WORKER II Participate in continuous quality improvement across unit/department initiatives. Demonstrate commitment to customer service values through professional conduct and promotion of such values. Disclaimer Statement The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification. For further information please contact Human Resources at NHH‑[email protected] or 603‑271‑5233. Compensation The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including: HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits (value varies by plan) Dental Plan at minimal cost ($500‑$1800 value) Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts State‑defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan $50,000 state‑paid life insurance plus additional low‑cost group life insurance Incentive‑based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500) Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay See details on State‑paid health benefits: Total Compensation Statement Worksheet: Explore the Benefits of State Employment: Equal Employment Opportunity EOE TDD Access: Relay NH 1‑800‑735‑2964 #J-18808-Ljbffr

Job Tags

Traineeship, Work experience placement, Second job, Immediate start, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work

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