This position is located at the Department of Mental Health and worked within the Division of Inpatient Services to include BPH, WSHPI and Morris Village.
 
As the Nursing Assistant, working under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, performs therapeutic care and assist patients in meeting their needs of performing activities of daily living (ADL). Also assists in providing and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.
Responsibility includes but are not limited to:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the Nursing Care Plan (NCP) and Treatment Plan as it relates to providing nursing care. Participates in quality control monitoring and peer review as assigned.
• Provides care for patients with mental illnesses, substance abuse, aggressive behavior, or suicidal tendencies. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of the therapeutic communication skills, takes under consideration age specific competencies, and culturally diverse patients.
• Identifies the need for and performs basic care/activities of daily living for patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Standard Precautions and performs Quality Control Environmental checks. 
• Assists in caring for patients with physical problems.
• Provides basic care for patients requiring Special Precautions, Seclusion, 4-Point Restraints, and supportive Protective Restraints; follows policy on meeting patients' special needs for hygiene, nutrition, toileting, fluids and ADLs. 
• Participates in maintaining a clean and therapeutic environment by being productively occupied at all times and meeting the needs of the patients.

State Minimum Requirement:  A high school diploma or GED.
Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
 The selected candidate must have the ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to stand, walk, reach, pull, push, stoop, bend and climb at least two or three flights of stairs. Ability to tolerate noise level and circulate in patient areas for long periods. Must be able to work with repetitive unusual patient behaviors. Must be able to work beyond scheduled hours as required to meet safe staffing standards/regulatory requirements. 
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex – including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
 
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
 
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs