The Mental Health Worker aids professional and technical nursing personnel primarily by accomplishing a variety of duties and procedures which are directly related to the care of behavioral impaired or emotionally disturbed patients. Primary duties include taking and recording vital signs, assisting patients with hygiene and elimination, ensuring the safety of the patient, and maintaining a clean and safe unit environment. Assists with stocking unit supplies, operating hospital equipment as directed, performing routine clerical tasks, and assisting with other related duties as assigned.
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys Behavioral Health (also known as Southern California Hospital at Van Nuys) is a 57-bed psychiatric hospital that provides acute inpatient and outpatient mental health services on a voluntary basis to adults. As an acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facility, Southern California Hospital at Van Nuys provides services designed to help a patients psychological well-being. These services include round-the-clock nursing care, daily medical management by internists and psychiatrists, as well as daily group therapy led by social service staff and recreation therapy staff.
Union Pay Info: - Accurately measures and records patient weights and vital signs. Recognizes and reports changes in the patient's condition, takes appropriate action and accurately documents all activities as required. Receives and accurately inventories and secures patient belongings as appropriate.
- Assists patient with hygiene, elimination, routine skin care, comfort measures and other Activities of Daily Living (ADL), in consideration of patient age, gender, culture and stated preferences, maintaining patient privacy and respect at all times. Listens and provides emotional support and encouragement for behavioral patients. Assumes responsibility for maintaining a clean and safe environment. Ensures Infection Control procedures and HIPAA compliance.
- Assists with patient care activities as directed by licensed nurse, including specimen collection/transport, turning & positioning, and patient transportation.
- Actively engages in caring behaviors, taking conscious ownership for work and takes a proactive, deliberate, and thoughtful actions regarding work activities. Demonstrates appropriate use of independent judgement and decision making.
Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Demonstrated prior patient care experience, in-service training or formal training
- AHA Basic Life Support
- Understanding of basic medical terminology
- Must be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English
- Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job
- De-escalation certification upon hire; Upon recertification, SAMA Certification required
- Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families
- Certification as a Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the state of CA
- SAMA Certification upon hire
Pay Rate: Min - $19.63 | Max - $25.88