¾havioral Specialist (Full Time)

POSITION SUMMARY This position assists the behavioral services staff by providing direct service to residents by implementing activity and rehabilitation groups. Essential Position Duties Plans and conducts both large and small psychoeducational groups, activity groups, and outings independently but under the indirect supervision of the Primary Counselor, STP Clinical Director, STP Director and/or Assistant STP Director. Develops a theme and schedules a series of special events for assigned holiday or event. Works directly with residents to achieve highest level of functioning possible. Maintains visual awareness of resident's physical and psychiatric limitation and insures the safety of residents at all times. Keeps notified on condition of residents and treatment plan interventions by reading individual care plans, assault prevention plans and contracts. Follows program design in consequences and rewards. Enlists the cooperation of nursing staff in participating in the structured special rehabilitation and activity program, as necessary. Monitors resident's attendance at assigned groups and activities and maximizes resident participation through appropriate motivational techniques. Assists nursing in managing resident's unstructured time and mealtime and for resident supervision coverage, when necessary. Goes on outings as needed and scheduled as an incentive for resident behavior. Attends and actively participates in Treatment Team meetings if assigned. Accurately documents in writing each resident's attendance and response to activity and therapeutic groups in the individual medical record or on department forms. Charts on each resident as assigned and trained. Ensures documentation is accurate, informative and descriptive of the resident's condition, care provided and resident's response to the care. Adds resident's weekly group attendance hours and subtotals the results. Assists with maintaining inventory and equipment and communicates to the STP Director or Activity Director. Assists residents when asked in communicating needs or filling out concern or grievance forms. Keeps aware of which residents require special diets and keep those in mind when offering incentives. Follows safety guidelines and attends Safety and STP in-services per regulation. Encourages a spirit of cooperation and teamwork with co-workers. Attends mandatory in-services and facility/department meetings as required. Participates in Professional Assault Response Training ® principles when necessary, i.e., verbal (de-escalation, active listening, calm talk, etc); physical escort, physical standing restraint, physical wall restraint, physical prone restraint; and mechanical soft and leather restraint. Identifies, reports and responds to extreme behavior, such as verbal aggression, biting, hitting, kicking, throwing items (food, objects, bodily fluids), self-inflicted injuries, property damage, substance abuse, etc., in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations. Ensures that all OSHA and safety standards are followed, as applicable to the position and in the business location or workplace in accordance with state and federal regulation. Maintains safe and clean work area and adheres to location/company safety standards for the healthcare professional. Complies with all Infection Control, Standard Precautions, and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional in accordance with state and federal regulation. Adheres to location and department/company policy and procedures. Adheres to established HIPAA confidentiality standards of patient/resident and client location information. Performs all other tasks or duties as assigned. SBN1 QUALIFICATIONS: POSITION EDUCATIONAL /VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Core Competencies/Skill Sets 1. Understanding of psychiatric illness and its treatment including the ability to assess and implement treatment plans of seriously mentally ill adults. 2. Ability to interact, communicate and respect seriously and persistently mentally ill adults. 3. Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public. 4. Ability to follow instructions, and to accept constructive feedback. 5. Ability to maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc. 6. Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to perform the tasks required. 7. Sufficient computer skills required to perform duties. Professional Experience/Educational Requirements 1. Experience may be substituted with college courses. Prior experience in the mental health field is not necessary. 2. GED or High School diploma. 3. College courses or BA preferred. Certification/Licensure 1. Driver's license. Position Type: Full Time Req ID: 422716 Center Name: Laurel Park Behavioral Health Job Salary: 15-16.50