Class Code: 06285
MENTAL HEALTH
SPECIALIST
NATURE OF WORK
This is limited
technical work in a County mental health or behavioral health program.
Work involves
performing a variety of limited technical health, mental health, and/or
behavioral health related services within a treatment team for the care of
patients. Duties include checking vital signs, observing patients, recording
observations in medical records, performing other clerical duties as assigned.
Employees in this
class also assist in the performance of other health, mental health and/or
behavioral health services not requiring the attention of licensed nurses or
other professional medical or clinical staff. Work assignments are received
through oral or written instructions from the shift supervisor and are reviewed
through observation of results obtained and for conformance with established
procedures.
ILLUSTRATIVE
TASKS
(Tasks may vary
slightly according to area of assignment).
Assists in
examination and coordination of patient schedules.
Assists in providing
a safe and protected environment for patients and staff.
Assists staff as
directed.
Checks and records
patient's vital signs. Monitors the behavior of patients and records pertinent
behavioral progress in medical records.
Maintains client or
patient records as required for the area of assignment. Prepares reports and
other documents as required. This may involve using computer-based
applications.
Maintains
confidentiality of consumer and related information as regulated under public
health laws, JCAHO standards, federal confidentiality laws 42CFR,45CFR,and
state regulations (65D-30.
May accompany
patients to and from clinics and hospitals and recreation therapy activities.
May assist clients and consumers to build
formal and informal support networks.
May assist in the
triage of patients.
May assist with the
program admission and discharge process.
May conduct periodic
rounds of patient areas.
May facilitate or co‑facilitate
educational groups or group activities.
May monitor dining
room during patient meal times.
May participate in
change of shift report.
May perform client
searches and/or client personal possession searches.
May perform
supervised case management activities.
Models self-advocacy
and adaptive mediation techniques. Encourages and facilitates community
participation and integration.
Participates in team treatment planning and
implementation and attends staff meetings and training as scheduled.
Prompts patients to
participate in scheduled daily program activities.
Provides supportive
interventions. Assists in carrying out individualized care, service, or
treatment plan objectives. Assists consumers with activities of daily living
and skill building, as needed.
Performs other
duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE,
ABILITIES AND SKILLS
(May vary slightly
based on area of assignment).
Some knowledge of
the needs and disposition of psychiatric and/or substance abuse
(dually-diagnosed) patients and their relatives and/or other support
systems as required for the area of
assignment.
Some knowledge of
public health laws, JCAHO standards, federal confidentiality laws (42CFR,
45CFR), and state regulations (65D-30).
Some knowledge of
health, mental health, and behavioral health related procedures as required for
the area of assignment.
Ability to
communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to deal
courteously and tactfully with patients and the general public.
Ability to maintain
client records manually and electronically.
Ability to operate a
personal computer and basic office software applications to prepare
correspondence, reports, and other documents.
Ability to prepare
simple reports and to complete forms.
Ability to serve the
public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the
letter and spirit of
Ability to establish
and maintain effective working relationships with the general public,
co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and
linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender,
ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political
affiliation.
REQUIRED
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
High school
graduation or equivalent; six (6) months of experience in medical and/or
psychiatric services work including related technical activities; or any
equivalent combination of relevant training and experience.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Bargaining
Unit: White Collar
FLSA
Status: Non-exempt
Code
of Ethics Certification: No
Class
Spec. Estab./Revised: E09/83; R01/91, R12/05