*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

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

Summary: Under the direction of the Nursing Coordinator or charge nurse, assists in coordinating a decentralized staffing system and participates in the planning, assignment and evaluation of nursing department personnel resources. When needed, carries out assignment tasks in direct patient care and participates in the health care team and therapeutic milieu within the scope of defined practice.

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. Valid drivers’ license if required by job function and noted on the supplemental job description.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires a minimum of three years recent experience in an acute psychiatric care environment.

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

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

• Requires demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.

• Requires demonstrated problem solving skills and judgment while under stress.

• Physical ability to restrain patients.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 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, established by the Nursing Department of New Hampshire Hospital.

Responsibilities:

• Interacts in a professional, courteous manner with staff members who report absences, make requests for unexpected leave, request immediate staff assistance, and volunteer for overtime.

• Understands and utilizes targeted numerical benchmarks that are based upon census, acuity and skill mix, in order to make recommendations concerning allocation of nursing department personnel resources in an acute psychiatric setting.

• Collects and accurately enters data into the nursing department electronic staffing database.

• Participates in the analysis of data and produces electronic reports to assist in evaluation of staffing effectiveness and productivity.

• Supports patients in performing A.D.L.s and performs simple somatic interventions, safety checks, observation levels, i.e., vital signs, weights, intake and output, and appropriately documents and reports all pertinent patient care data.

• Maintains safe body mechanics while participating in physically demanding, unpredictable and potentially hazardous patient care situations; example, escorts and supervises patients at appointments and safely transports physically aggressive patients.

• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

• Acts as preceptor to Mental Health Worker orientees and provides input to Nursing Coordinator/designee regarding need for further training as demonstrated by performance levels.

• Provides nursing managers with input regarding employees, evaluations, and terminations.

• Participates actively in Quality Improvement activities as assigned by Nurse Coordinator.

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 Claire Kent, Assistant Director of Nursing at: (603)271-5835 or email: Claire.A.Kent@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