Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Description

Under the supervision, of a registered nurse (RN) or Program Specialist, assists professional staff in coordinating and providing care to individuals with an acute or persistent mental disorder or with co-occurring disorders.

This recruitment is to establish an eligible for Extra-Help opportunities.

Mental Health Workers may qualify to receive additional Hazard Duty Pay and/or evening/night shift hourly differentials depending on the position.

Typical Tasks

• Takes routine temperature, pulse and respiration of patients;
• Assists and encourages patients with the basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, positioning, lifting or other essential needs;
• May provide total care, as necessary under direction of a RN;
• As a member of a multidisciplinary team, and in compliance with approved techniques, intervenes in crisis situations by identification, prevention, early intervention, and if indicated, containment of assaultive behaviors in accordance with County training provided to Mental Health Workers;
• Reports changes in physical condition and/or behavior of patients to the RN;
• Monitors and records patient activities, maintains special observations and precautions;
• Engages patients in individual and/or group activities and conversation;
• Assists in orienting new patients to the unit;
• Monitors the milieu for safety; reports any unsafe conditions to a RN;
• Searches patient belongings for contraband upon admission, and/or as directed;
• Accompanies patients to on-site appointments;
• Maintains patient confidentiality;
• May arrange transportation for discharged patients;
• May maintain visitors log and coordinate patient visits;
• May order and restock supplies and maintain supply sign-out log;
• May update, maintain and provide community resources to patients, visitors and family members;
• Obtains and delivers specimens to laboratory for analysis;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related work as required.

Employment Standards

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience providing patient care in an in-patient acute or sub-acute psychiatric facility.

College course work in Sociology and Psychology is desirable.

Possession of a CPR for the Professional Rescuer Card before completion of Acute Psychiatric Services orientation.

Knowledge of:

• Nursing practices and the various types of materials and equipment related to patient care and their application;
• Basic social and psychological needs, problems, attitudes and behavior patterns related to persistent and acute mental disorders;
• Effective communication and customer service techniques.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of routine patient care services and administer simple treatments;
• Read, write, spell and speak in English;
• Communicate effectively with patients, and establish/maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions;
• Demonstrate concern, compassion and respect to patients and deliver excellent customer service;
• Stand and walk for long periods, sitting infrequently, and exercise a moderate amount of physical exertion consistent with containment of behavioral aggression;
• Lift, carry, push and/or pull 50 pounds;
• Frequently reach and bend above and below waist level;
• Exercise manual dexterity in the handling of patients or equipment;
• Contribute to a positive work environment and work effectively and respectfully as part of a team in providing patient care;
• Follow the appropriate chain of command, addressing disagreements calmly and positively outside the immediate patient environment;
• Maintain a professional attitude, demeanor and appearance, including appropriate dress and proper identification;
• Cope with and perform in a locked, therapeutic psychiatric environment;
• Maintain simple records.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.