Summary:  The Mental Health Worker demonstrates clinical competence in the provision of direct patient care and technical assistance to the health care team. Specific components of the Mental Health Worker role include performing clinical skills and nursing procedures. Mental Health Worker participates in improving quality care, documenting patient care activities, and assisting the health care team in patient care. Establishes positive relationships through communication, fostering development of self and fulfilling responsibilities as an employee.

Education:  High School Diploma or GED. Graduate of an accredited nursing assistant program, or equivalent.

Licensure:  Current Rhode Island nursing assistant license required.

Experience:  1 year experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or 1 year experience in Psychiatry or Human Services preferred

Skills and Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with peers/other disciplines. Ability to follow complicated, diversified instructions. Knowledge of the basic sciences underlying psychiatric care such as psychology and sociology. Ability to establish therapeutic interactions with patients who suffer from mental illness. Ability to read, write and comprehend basic medical terminology. Knowledge of basic infection control principles. Knowledge of medical terminology Ability to utilize positive interpersonal skills when interacting with patients and taking into consideration cultural background, linguistic skills and age of customers. Maintains information confidential (HIPAA) Demonstrated customer service skills Ability to responsive customer service skills when interacting and taking into consideration cultural background, linguistic skills and age of customers Ability to work cooperatively with peers and other disciplines Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with peers and other interdisciplinary teams. Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese preferred.

Working Conditions, Physical Environment and/or Safety Requirements:  Visual acuity and hand dexterity. Physical ability involves variety of body movements including stooping, bending, kneeling, lifting, standing, walking, twisting, stretching and reaching. Physical ability involves pushing, pulling and lifting more than 30 lbs.