Mental Health Specialist IV

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

The primary purpose of the Mental Health Specialist IV is to participate as a member of the unit team providing care to assigned patients under the direct supervision.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Assists the Registered Nurse in planning patient care.
• Provides care based on the patient's established care plan, under the supervision of the registered 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:

• 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 or higher, including 12 credits in a relevant field of study, such as psychology or its equivalent, may be substituted for the minimum requirements of this position.

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.