Mental Health Worker III

• Assisting patients with personal hygiene activities.
• Assisting in managing ive behavior of patients.
• Performing light housekeeping duties.
• Facilitating therapeutic groups.
• May transport patients on discharge or to outpatient appointments.

The work schedule for this position includes variable 12hour shifts during the day and night.

Under general supervision provides nonprofessional nursing care and out or inpatient support for mentally disabled patients; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Mental Health Worker I is the entry level class in this specialist support class. Initially under close supervision incumbents learn departmental and treatment policies and procedures. This class is alternately staffed with Mental Health Worker II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.

Mental Health Worker II is an experienced class responsible for providing services to mental health patients in an out or inpatient setting under the direction of a mental health professional. Responsibilities include extensive contact with mentally ill patients and effective followup. This class is distinguished from Mental Health Clinician and Psychiatric Technician classes in that the latter are licensed classes providing professional clinical patient care and treatment.

• Assists patients with personal hygiene activities.
• Observes and charts vital signs collects samples for routine lab tests and ensures that treatment rooms are set up for examinations and treatment.
• Assists in managing ive behavior of patients and assists with placing difficult patients in seclusion and/or restraints as required by treatment staff.
• Provides supportive services in a psychiatric health facility or a day treatment center including facilitating various groups and activities such as exercise and art; monitors patient adjustment and progress.
• Performs crisis intervention in person and over the phone to provide support and assistance in problem resolution and coordinates or arranges for the provision of needed services.
• Documents behavior in patient charts.
• Confers with treatment staff regarding patient needs and ways of improving staffs ability to impact on patient.
• Performs driving facility or house cleaning cooking and other household living tasks for mental health patients.
• Coordinates food ordering and recordkeeping for patients.
• May serve as case coordinator for assigned patients or clients.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques related to facilitating groups and activities and care of the mentally ill.
• Basic concepts of mental and emotional disturbances and mental deficiencies.
• Basic medical and nursing terminology and concepts related to basic mental health care. Community resources providing assistance to the mentally ill.
• Business arithmetic.
• Recordkeeping principles and practices.
• Household management and personal care activities.

Skill in:

• Providing support for the mentally disabled in out or inpatient settings.
• Assisting in managing ive behavior and responding promptly to patient emergency situations.
• Taking effective action to control potentially violent incidents as directed by treatment staff.
• Observing and accurately describing patient behavior and activities.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Preparing clear and concise reports correspondence and other written materials under direction of treatment staff.
• Exercising sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Establishing an maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Leading and facilitating group and recreational activities.
• Performing light housekeeping household management and personal care.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California drivers license. Some positions may require possession of a valid Class B California drivers license.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Mental Health Worker I: Two years of patient care services or related experience preferably in a health care or mental health setting. Some college level coursework in psychology or a related subject is desirable.

Mental Health Worker II: In addition to the above two years of experience in providing direct patient care in a mental health setting in a position comparable to Mental Health Worker I.

HOW TO APPLY
A complete original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the countys automated application system at must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by Human Resources staff and may also be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE
The county utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered most qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received the selection process may consist of additional application screening written and/or practical exam(s) oral interview or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application

• You should allow 30 45 minutes to fill out your application.