*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire Hospital has a full-time vacancy for a Mental Health Worker III.

Summary: Acts as a liaison person between New Hampshire Hospital and Community Mental Health Agencies, and other referring agencies for Voluntary and Emergency Involuntary admissions under the direct supervision of the Nurse Coordinator and the Chief Medical Officer/designee. Work shift shall be flexible to cover needs of the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduation from high school, G.E.D. or its equivalent. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of work experience. Approved formal education includes courses or a degree in psychology, social science, special education, any of the health professions, or other area of approved study.

Experience: Three years of experience in the care of mentally ill or emotionally disturbed persons in a psychiatric facility, three years as a Mental Health Worker, or three years of work experience in a position or combination of positions, that would evidence possession of the requisite skills necessary for satisfactory performance at this level.

License/Certification: Must be certified as a Mental Health Worker.

Must possess a valid driver’s license in the state in which the employee resides, with appropriate endorsements required for the type of vehicle being operated. Must successfully complete the State's Safe Driving Program within the first six (6) months of employment, maintain certification, and have current New Hampshire driving record verified by the Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles indicating no major traffic violations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced computer skills utilizing a variety of programs including word processing, spreadsheet and database software, and Windows operating systems.

• An employee may be required to work additional hours beyond their normal work shift, engaged in work that is characteristic of their classification, in order to meet patient care needs/safe staffing levels.

• Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with co‑workers, patients, families, and outside agencies.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.

• Demonstrated problem solving skills and judgment while under stress.

• Physical ability to restrain patients.

Responsibilities:

• Communicates information with outside agencies about the admission procedure and the medical information required to meet medical clearance.

• Completes Admission Intake forms compiling the necessary data for the psychiatrist and medical provider to review and determine if the patient meets criteria for admission. Coordinates the admission from the outside agency, notifying all necessary staff of the incoming admission. Collaborates with medical providers, psychiatrist, nurses and campus police to ensure that all of the patient needs are met upon arrival to NHH. This may include utilizing the language line or obtaining a translator to be able to translate for the patient.

• Ensures that preadmission authorization for those patients with a managed care insurance company is obtained prior to the patient’s arrival to NHH. Completes notice of admissions for patients who have managed care. Documents financial eligibility in the electronic health record and notifies utilization review or office of reimbursement if needed.

• Prepares paperwork such as the admission input database, legal documents, and release of information to the patient’s school and medical provider. Obtains consent for treatment from guardians when necessary.

• Enters data information into the electronic health record. Calculates and prepares daily, weekly, and monthly NHH admission statistics for various departments of the hospital and DHHS. Collaborates with the providers, nurses, and health information department to enter all data necessary to provide the clinical staff information needed to safely treat the patient. Ensures that the patient arrived with a completed IEA and the necessary medical information from the sending facility. Takes a photo of the patient after obtaining consent to ensure proper patient identification.

• Provides crisis intervention with families and potential admissions by phone or in person. Assists doctors and Nursing with special projects and research.

• Obtain Certificate of Need for all voluntary admissions when necessary.

• Consults with the Medical Director and/or the nursing supervisor, and on-call psychiatrist to determine the legality and appropriateness of the admission referral.

• Census management daily to various department heads and NHHA website for bed availability. Participates in quality improvement activities to monitor admission status, wait time in the queue and other improvement indicators.

• Performs intervention such as safety checks, observation levels, i.e., vital signs and weights.

Staff Workplace Safety Accountabilities

Complies with established hospital and departmental policies and procedures by:

• Maintaining competency in hospital approved Crisis Management Program (CMP) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques for adults, infants, children and AED training.

• Performing accountabilities in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Communicating with supervisors’ issues related to workplace safety (i.e., ergonomics, body mechanics, environment, equipment, etc.).

• Reporting on the job injuries to supervisor IMMEDIATELY.

• Attending training programs, as appropriate.

Total Commitment to Quality

Participates in the process of continuous quality improvement by supporting unit/department- based quality improvement activities. Demonstrates commitment to customer service values in professional conduct and by promoting such values in assigned work area.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The supplemental job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

For further information please contact Eileen Moore, Nurse Coordinator, at 603-271-5344 or email at Eileen.M.Moore@dhhs.nh.gov .

You may also contact Human Resources at NHH-HR@dhhs.nh.gov

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 13.85% of pay.

Other Benefits:

o Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

o Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

o State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan.

o Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

o $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance

o Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964