Mental Health Clinician - PRN

Profile

General Summary:

Under the direction of Director of Care Management and Therapy Programming, functions as a facilitator of milieu activities and supporter of clinical operations within the treatment team. Knowledgeable and competent in identifying and intervening in patient crises. Provides consistent reports of patient progress to parent(s)/guardian and treatment team. The position actively supports the Hospital’s and the Department’s quality goals and service excellence principles.

Patient Population:

Has contact with patients in a clinical setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in the adult (18-65 years of age) and geriatric (65 and older) populations.

Essential Functions:

Provides patient care in a therapeutic environment focusing on areas of behavior modification, improved social skills, more effective coping skills, etc. Completes daily duties as assigned by Charge Nurse or Director.

Leads and co-leads milieu activities per program. Actively sets and communicates appropriate individual goals, expectations and behavioral limits within the parameters of the program. Implements plans of care and individual behavior programs initiated by team.

Ensures patient safety at all times by notifying the assigned nurse, or nursing supervisor, of any risk factors seen, initiating and maintaining appropriate safety measures. Responds appropriately and assists others in emergency situations in a calm and effective manner. Intervenes in anticipated emergent situations and knows emergency protocols. Maintains safety in the milieu, utilizing prevention and de-escalation CPI techniques.

Plans/organizes work for assigned shift to properly utilize time, resources and supplies to ensure patient receives appropriate quality care. Independently performs unit specific procedures, protocols and precautions.

Communicates patient status and changes in patient condition to the nurse and next shift for continuity of care. Documents patient status and progress in patient’s medical record as per program guidelines.

Accurately completes and documents assignments. Performs work in a timely and productive manner. Learns and utilizes up-to-date technology and practices in patient care delivery.

Maintains equipment; ensuring equipment is clean and in working order; assures supplies are adequate. Responds to environmental concerns (maintenance/ cleanliness) of the area.

Assists with group therapy, support therapy and activities as assigned.

Requirements

Experience:

Minimum twelve months of direct experience in a behavioral health setting is preferred. Must have strong knowledge of mental disorders. Relevant group/ individual experience with therapeutic and leisure-oriented activities is strongly preferred.

Education:

Associate Degree in a social science discipline, i.e., social work, nursing, psychology or other related field from an accredited university or college is required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

All Milieu Therapists must maintain BLS certification and Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification while employed with LifeCare Hospitals.

Company info

LifeCare Hospitals
Website : http://www.lifecare-hospitals.com/