At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Mental Health Worker reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the supervision of a registered nurse (inpatient) or licensed health professional (outpatient), this role assists in providing care for individuals and groups of patients, and assists in maintaining a therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assists in initial and on-going identification of patient problems and strengths;
• Works cooperatively with interdisciplinary team members to assist in the development of treatment plans
• Communicates patient status to registered nurse (inpatient) or licensed health professional (outpatient)
• Provides individual and group intervention to meet patient needs as directed by a licensed health professional
• Leads or co-leads supportive groups, as determined by the manager
• Supports patients in developing social, daily living and problem solving skills through individual, group or milieu contact
• Responds to and follows through with patient needs and requests
• Assists patients in their relationships with others in the milieu
• Fosters a milieu that is conducive to communication and cooperation among patients, families, visitors and staff
• Identifies own role limitations and uses appropriate clinical resources
• Documents timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient's medical record
• Assists in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff
• Follows established policies, procedures and standards for patient care.
• Demonstrates competencies in providing care to adult (18-64 years) and geriatric (65+) patients in inpatient or outpatient mental health care settings.
• Demonstrates competency in the delivery of patient care to patients with psychiatric, chemical dependence and dual diagnoses.
• Visually observe and document patient's verbal and behavioral responses
• Communicate clearly and effectively to nurses, physicians, patients, families, guests and other members of the health care team
• Respond to emergency signals and indicators
• Push/pull patients in wheelchairs/carts (100-300 lbs.) for short distances
• Push/pull supplies and equipment weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Lift patients up to 80 lbs. or with assistance up to 200 lbs.
• Observe and comprehend written and electronic format in a medical chart
• Provide physical assistance to patients when indicated
• Display concentration and attention span for brief and extended periods of time (up to 90 minutes) to perform tasks including patient monitoring.

AA/EOE

Required:

• CPR and Crisis Prevention Training
• BS or BA
• Ability to display concentration and attention span for brief and extended periods of time (upd to 90 minutes) to perform tasks including patient monitoring

Preferred:

• Bachelors' degree in human service field
• Two years experience in providing supportive services to individuals with mental illness.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.