A Mental Health Assistant provides basic care and assistance with daily activities to patients with mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Helps patients dress and eat, monitors patients' well-being, and restrains patients if they become physically violent. Works in hospitals or mental health care facilities.
Ability to effectively communicate with individuals served, family members of program participants, staff, supervisors, management and co-workers using professional and understandable language skills verbally, in reading, written work and comprehension. Communication must be consistent with the core values of the organization. SKILLS Knowledge of functional behavior assessments. Knowledge of positive behavior interventions and supports. Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and behavioral issues, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual DSM IV, child development, individual, group, and family treatment methodologies. Strong working knowledge of computer software products (MS Word, Excel, internet, e-mail, etc.). Knowledge and the ability to utilize good listening skills and comprehend verbal instructions given in English. Ability to organize, prioritize work assignments, schedules, and meets deadlines. Ability to collect and analyze data. Ability to conduct functional behavior assessments. Ability to work under pressure of time constraints. Ability to build healthy therapeutic relationships. Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards. Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information. Ability to read and comprehend instructions written in English. Ability to write legibly in English in a clear, concise, and logical manner. Ability to speak clearly and express self effectively in English.
EDUCATION
Has received a master's or higher degree from a board-approved accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, behavior analysis or a related field of study. Licensed as a LPC or LCSW, or BCBA certification preferred. Has completed relevant educational and training programs, including but not limited to professional ethics, autism specific trainings, assessments training, crisis intervention, and family collaboration.
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Has training on functional behavior assessments and preferably one year of experience in performing them. Has direct clinical experience with individuals with behavior challenges and at least 1 year of experience in a related field with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. OTHER Must be able to work flexible hours to meet individual's and program's needs. Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle to attend trainings, meetings, and/or transport individual to appointments. Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by regulations. May have on-call duties.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/MAJOR TASKS
a. Provides expertise in behavioral management protocols; b. Collection and evaluation of behavioral data; c. Observation of the individual in various settings for the purpose of developing a behavior support plan; d. Collaboration with the participant, their family, and their team for the purpose of developing a behavior support plan that must include positive practices and may not include restraint procedures (physical, chemical, or mechanical) as support strategies; e. Conducting comprehensive functional assessments of presenting issues (e.g. aggression, self-injurious behavior, law offending behavior (sexual or otherwise)); f. Development and maintenance of behavior support plans, which utilize positive strategies to support the participant, based on functional behavioral assessments • Gathers written information on the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences to determine the need for behavioral intervention, if the current behavior plan is working, and to identify any problems with the current behavior plan. ; g. Conducting training related to the implementation of behavior support plans for the participant, family members, and staff; h. Implementation of activities and strategies identified in the participant's behavior support plan; i. Monitoring implementation of the behavior support plan, and revising as needed; j. Collaboration with the participant, their family, and their team in order to develop positive interventions to address specific presenting issues; k. Completion of required paperwork related to data collection, progress reporting and development of annual planning material; l. Collaborates with other involved professionals and agencies in order to provide unified services and continuity of care to individuals and staff; m. Develops discharge planning criteria; n. Submits applicable billing related documentation to facilitate payment of services for those documented and authorized in the Individual Support Plan (ISP); o. Ensures the confidentiality of program participants, records, and information is maintained at all times; p. Maintains effective Multi-Disciplinary Team interactions; q. Acts as a mandated reporter under the Pennsylvania Child Protect Service Law and Incident Management. r. Supervises Behavioral Support Assistants and monitor their caseloads. s. Provides training as needed to those implementing the behavioral support strategies. t. Monitor referrals and discharges to ensure program viability. u. Maintains a caseload of individuals receiving behavior support services.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
a. Demonstrates interest in learning additional aspects of job and attends trainings throughout the year as needed/required including company orientation and Office of Mental Health training. b. Maintains open communication channels to foster a harmonious work environment. c. Maintains accurate and complete records in an organized and efficient manner. d. Attends and participates in ISP meetings for individuals on case load. e. Participates on the Behavioral Approaches Review Committee. f. Participates with Incident and Risk Management Committees g. Provides coverage in emergency situations. h. To keep up to date on regulations regarding behavioral support. i. Engage in on-going professional development to increase knowledge and skills of positive behavior support for all individuals. j. Provide training to staff on non-abusive physical interventions. k. Other duties that may be assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Primarily administrative with exposure to toners and ink cartridges; Seasonal displays may include hay, pine needles, flowers, etc.; Outside weather conditions at times; Noise level can be high at times.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Ability to
