"Mental Health Specialist III"

Position Summary

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

The primary purpose of the 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 in planning patient care.
• Provides care based on the patient's established care plan, under the supervision of the Staff Nurse.
• 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.
• Accompanies patients for medical evaluation outside of the facility.
• Facilitates patient groups.

Minimum Education and Experience

Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in the mental health field or two (2) years of college majoring in a relevant social or health care field.

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