PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services hospital, behavioral health facility or program this class is accountable for assisting in the assessment, planning and implementation of paraprofessional nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions designed to support clients’ short and/or long-term needs.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Participates in assigned nursing, clinical and/or rehabilitative interventions to meet client short and long-term needs;
- Advocates for services or resources that meet client needs and preferences;
- Assists client in developing effective strategies for managing internal and external stress;
- Routinely solicits personal goals and preferences;
- Identifies and facilitates use of appropriate support networks;
- Participates in education and training activities to further skill development;
- Participates in admission and discharge planning activities;
- Protects civil rights of client;
- Maintains a safe and healthy environment;
- May manage client behaviors through verbal communication as needed;
- Performs related duties as required.
INPATIENT WARD OR UNIT:
- Communicates and interacts with clients;
- Participates in development of nursing care and treatment plans;
- Encourages client to participate in therapeutic activities;
- Observes and records client behavior and prepares pertinent reports;
- Participates in on-going education and training programs;
- May participate in follow up of client in community-based services;
- May supervise self-administration of oral medication.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of
- acceptable standards of nursing care;
- psychiatric rehabilitation and/or case management principles and procedures;
- community support systems and resources;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- counseling skills;
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – GENERAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of experience at the level of a Mental Health Trainee.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
- An Associate’s degree in mental health technology may be substituted for the General Experience.
- Two (2) years of college training in a behavioral science, social work, rehabilitation therapy or its equivalent may be substituted for the General Experience.
- One (1) year of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist providing peer support to agency clients may be substituted for the General Experience.
- Completion of a mental health trainee certificate program may be substituted for one-half (1/2) year of the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working on a multi-disciplinary team/program.
- Experience in therapeutic communication and verbal de-escalation techniques to clients/patients.
- Experience providing assistance with activities of daily living in an inpatient setting.
- Experience observing and recording client/patient behavior in an inpatient setting and preparing pertinent reports.
- Experience using WORD and EXCEL computer software.
- Experience using an Electronic Medical Record.
- Experience transporting clients.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain clients and may have significant exposure to communicable and/or infectious diseases, strongly disagreeable conditions and risk of injury.