Job Specification Details

Associate Mental Health Specialist duties involve specialized technical level work involving delivery of care and treatment of individuals with a mental illness at the DMH Treatment Facilities. An incumbent serves as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in an assigned program area, under the general supervision of Psychiatric Nurses and/or a Senior Mental Health Specialist. Positions in this class differ from the entry level Mental Health Specialist in the complexity of work performed as well as increased opportunities for independent action and guidance to other technicians. The Associate Mental Health Specialist will be given opportunities to learn the complex duties of the Senior Mental Health Specialist then demonstrate their ability to carry out those duties. There is considerable interaction with unit staff, social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, patients, families, visitors, and treatment personnel from other facilities. The Associate Mental Health Specialist demonstrates positive role modeling when interacting with these groups in promoting and maintaining an appropriate therapeutic milieu for clients. Consistently communicates in a professional, respectful manner. Work may include transportation of individuals with a mental illness to other treatment facilities with significant interaction with staff of other clinical service units. 

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships, and results orientation.

As a member of a clinical treatment team, learns to contribute to the development of treatment activities for individual patients and patient groups. Assists in coordinating patient activities with others in patient-oriented programs, participates in case conferences, and assists with development of treatment plans and aftercare planning. Documents pertinent clinical information. Learns to co-lead specialty therapeutic groups such as substance abuse, behavioral therapy, milieu, and skills building after completing appropriate training. Attends relevant classes or courses assigned by Nursing Administration then participates in training of staff as assigned. For limited time may be asked to co-lead a program or unit and/or be assigned shift leader duties to allow opportunity to achieve the goal of being able to function as a senior psychiatric technician. May be assigned to escort patients to medical appointments and other facilities and provide support to patients regarding these events. Maintains a therapeutic unit environment. Maintains patient confidentiality. Remains alert to patient and unit safety and responds appropriately in emergency. Assists in the general housekeeping of the patient unit. May be assigned or floated to any of the three hospital units. Performs related work as required.

Incumbents may be assigned to any DMH Treatment facility and any shift. Employees regularly interact with patients experiencing serious mental illness, who present with various levels of risk to self or others - assaultive behavior, elopement risk, self-harm; and may be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.

Knowledge of the principles of psychiatric patient care and their application.

Knowledge of hospital policies and procedures, particularly as they relate to patient care and treatment.

Knowledge of the more common mental illnesses, their symptoms, and appropriate terminology.

Knowledge of the services offered by various hospital treatment and care units.

Develops knowledge of mental illness rehabilitation and recovery.

Develops knowledge of community resources potentially available as part of a total treatment program.

Develops knowledge of the principles of communication and their effective use, particularly as involves mentally ill patients.

Ability to repetitively lift and carry weight up to 50# floor to waist, 30# floor to chest, 10# waist to overhead.

Ability to repetitively push/pull weight up to 50#.

Ability to climb stairs, stoop, crouch, kneel, or squat repetitively, and stand, sit, or walk for long periods.

Ability to repetitively reach forward, reach overhead, bend and grip.

Ability to verbally communicate with patients and staff to provide safe therapeutic care.

Ability to observe patients up close and afar.

Ability to fully participate in restraint and seclusion activities.

Ability to observe patient behavior, assesses its significance, and take appropriate action.

Ability to deal effectively with other staff, patients, families, and outside facilities.

Ability to provide accurate and concise documentation.

Ability to take prompt and effective action in emergency situations.

Ability to lift and move patients as required.

Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships, and results orientation.

Two (2) years or more as a VPCH Mental Health Specialist.

OR

Demonstrated successful completion of the VPCH Training Academy or equivalent. 

OR

Four (4) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting. 

OR

Associates degree in a human services field and two (2) years or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in human services AND one (1) year or more of work experience in an inpatient mental health setting.

Successful work experience in an inpatient psychiatric or community psychiatric care setting, successful completion of patient care related trainings and/ or education is preferred.  
 

Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential job functions.

Overtime work may be required to maintain safe staffing levels and is considered a condition of employment. The ability to work overtime as required is considered an essential function of this job class.

Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential job functions.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Successful completion of a physical examination that includes movement and weightlifting testing, provided at a DMH preferred clinic, is required for this position.