Mental Health
MetroWest Medical Center - Leonard Morse Hospital
Natick, MA
5x8 hrs, Evenings

Mental Health Counselor Adult Psych Full Time Evenings

Onboarding Process: Please be advised that candidates must successfully complete a background check and pre-employment health screening which includes a drug screen.

MHC FT

Summary:
Under supervision of the Charge Nurse, facilitates and provides psychiatric care of adult, adolescent, and/or child patients by planning and implementing milieu treatment, considering patient needs and therapeutic goals. Ensures quality and safe delivery of care to patients of all ages.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Functions as a milieu therapist to assigned patients, including collaborating with the nurse therapist to determine a milieu treatment approach, functioning as an active member of the multidisciplinary team, administering an initial psychological assessment, and providing consistent individual counseling focused on treatment goals during hospitalization. Participates in milieu therapy for patients on an individual or group basis. Leads or assists in milieu groups. Incorporates knowledge of each patient's condition and application of various therapeutic techniques; ensures appropriate participation by patients.
2. Collaborates with other unit staff in assessing and evaluating patient's mental status. Initiates and maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients. Collaborates in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; shares information and participates in the formulation of treatment plans. Coordinates and implements various aspects of milieu environment to provide a therapeutic experience for patients. Collaborates with other staff members to determine whether a patient represents a risk to himself/herself and/or others. Works with other unit personnel with crisis intervention techniques.
3. Provides supportive care to patients, such as participating in conversation, recreational activities, and basic living activities. This may include assisting patients with bathing, eating, and other daily living activities. Sets limits, confronts counterproductive activities and behavior, and reassures and orients patients. Encourages and facilitates appropriate interactions between patients.
4. Records all appropriate information on patient charts; prepares regular reports describing each patient's mental status and functioning, as well as significant interactions. Reports and documents overt, covert, verbal, and non-verbal communications by patients.
5. Provides support and education to family members and significant others regarding the patient's status. Works with representatives of outside agencies in obtaining or disseminating information on individual patients. Participates in discharge planning and referral, if necessary.
Onboarding Process: Please be advised that candidates must successfully complete a background check and pre-employment health screening which includes a drug screen.

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in psychology or a related field preferred
Bilingual preferred (Spanish/English)
BLS required

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Patient care environment. Periodic risk from combative or abusive patients; occasionally may assist with moving or lifting elderly or handicapped patients or with applying restraints.
2. Regular walking and standing during normal course of duties.