Mental Health Specialist III - Part-Time

Position Summary:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a part-time Mental Health Specialist III for the Acute Psych Services Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the part-time Mental Health Specialist III is to participate as a member of the unit team providing care for all age groups in accordance with facility policy and procedure. Demonstrates leadership skills and assists the Staff Nurse with staff assignments, orientation of new staff and formulation of patient groups.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Assists the Staff Nurse with MHS IV assignments, orientation of new staff and formulation of patient groups when required.
• Assists the Staff Nurse in planning patient care.
• Observes patient's behaviors and when necessary notifies appropriate staff.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that respects patients' rights.
• Assists the patients with activities of daily living, encouraging independent behavior, when appropriate.
• Assists patients and observes patients during mealtimes in the cafeteria and on the unit.
• Monitors the milieu for changes in patient behavior. Also, observes interaction between patients and visitors.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Three (3) years of relevant full-time paid experience in the mental health field or one (1) year of full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent) in a mental health field along with at least two (2) years of college majoring in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, including twenty-four (24) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, counseling or three (3) years of college majoring in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, including thirty-six (36) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, counseling.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires standing 2/3 of the time, walking to 2/3 of the time, requires sitting 1/3 of the time, use of hands to finger, handle or feel 2/3 of the time, reach with hands and arms, 1/3 of the time, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl 1/3 of the time, talk or hear over 2/3 of the time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic.) Subject to unpredictable situations, patient crises, both medical and psychiatric. Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires use of personal protective equipment. May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures.