Mental Health Specialist IV - Per Diem

Position Summary:

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

The primary purpose of the per diem Mental Health Specialist IV is to provide patient support and engagement for inpatient psychiatric patients. As a part of a multidisciplinary treatment team, the Mental Health Specialist IV fosters safety, stabilization, patient autonomy and progress.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Provides patient support consistent with the individualized established treatment plan.
• Assists multidisciplinary team members in working with patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
• Uses basic interventions during interactions with patients (e.g., motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care).
• Assists patients with activities of daily living while encouraging independence consistent with treatment plan.
• Helps maintain a structured milieu aligned with approved policies and therapeutic programming.
• Observes and promotes safety during meals, groups, transitions, visiting hours and any off-unit activities.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize, mitigate and respond effectively to crises.
• As a member of a multidisciplinary team, assists in therapeutic group sessions.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Successful completion of a one (1) year training program as a Mental Health Specialist Trainee or one (1) year of similar full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the full-time equivalent).
• At least two (2) years of college, preferably in a related field, including twelve (12) verified credits in a relevant mental health, social or human services field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling.

City:

Piscataway

State:

NJ

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.

Posting Number: 26ST0898