Mental Health Worker I - Taunton State Hospital - Continuous Posting

** This is an open and continuous posting for full-time (40 hours) positions. **

Taunton State Hospital is seeking candidates for the Nursing Department to provide direct care and treatment to the adult mentally ill patients on the locked units of DMH at Taunton State Hospital under the direction of professional nursing staff. The MHW I will provide assistance, instruction and supervision in activities of daily living to include hygiene, care of living area, care of personal belongings. All interactions will be person centered utilizing a person first approach with safety of all being the number one priority while acknowledging the dignity of risk.

 Please Note: The incumbent will work 40 hours per week on day shift. The days off and hours, are to be determined.

                       Days            6:45am - 3:15pm
                       Evenings      2:45pm - 11:15pm
                       Overnights   11:00pm - 7:00am

Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provides direct care services daily to include but not limited to taking vital signs, monitoring intake and output as well as assisting clients with feeding and personal hygiene while instructing and assisting clients in learning skills of daily living to promote independent ADL functioning.
• Utilizes a Person First, Person Centered approach when working with clients in assisting them in their recovery.
• Provides care to the patients with respect to their needs as defined by the specific age population and / or culture. Assist in problem identification, planning and teaching by reporting pertinent observations to charge person.
• Serves as a client advocate, ensures that confidentiality and human rights are maintained.
• Ensures the spiritual needs of clients are met by coordinating with senior staff and / or charge nurse.

Required Qualifications:

•  Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, expressing thoughts clearly and developing ideas in logical sequence.
• Ability to work in a team setting and in group situations.
• Ability to establish rapport & deal tactfully with persons from varied ethnic, cultural or economic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful or emergency situations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects or persons.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency

About Taunton State Hospital:

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 62-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses.  The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

DMH Vision and Mission:

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health

Please be advised that you have applied to a “Continuous Posting.” Continuous postings are used for high volume positions which require continuous hiring. Candidates who apply to this posting will remain active in the “continuous posting” for up to 90 days and will be considered as openings arise. Although we cannot guarantee every candidate will be considered, as selection is based on job availability and individual staffing needs of the agency, candidates are strongly encouraged to reapply upon expiration of their job submission.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.