"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 (APS) – Piscataway within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the per diem Mental Health Specialist IV is to provide services which support the delivery of clinical services in the Unit.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Provides telephone coverage for the unit.
• Assists screening staff in greeting consumers when they arrive onsite five (5) minutes after arrival and escorts them back to the unit.
• Assists Public Safety in their search for consumers and belongings when they are admitted to the Extended Care Evaluation Bed (ECEB) area.
• Assists in the provision of direct care for individuals in the ECEB.
• Maintains appropriate client records in a timely manner as mandated by Center policy.
• Assists in managing the transfer of consumers into and out of the Unit.
• Assists consumers and/or families in the completion of registration paperwork as required.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all consumers, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.

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 experience in the mental health field.
• An Associate Degree, preferably in a related field, including 12 credits in human services, such as psychology or its equivalent, may be substituted for the minimum requirements of this position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Frequent prolonged sitting. Observe, converses with patient. Frequent talking and listening in groups as well as on the telephone. Frequently walks, bends, stretches, and pulls. Manual dexterity and mobility for charting. Drives to offsite work locations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Varied work settings include office and community setting. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. May be exposed to clients exhibiting assaultive or aggressive behaviors. Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.