Mental Health Worker

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (“MSO”) is seeking a qualified professional for the position of Mental Health Worker (“MHW”).  Under the direction of the Director of Behavioral Health or designee, the MHW will help care for physically or mentally ill individuals confined to Health Service Unit (“HSU”) within the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction in Billerica, MA. Mental Health Workers observe patients and report any physical or behavioral signs or changes to nursing, clinical and administrative staff.  The primary duty of the MHW is to ensure the safety of all patients by conducting safety checks.  The MHW will provide direct care services to program clients in accordance with their treatment goals.  This employment opportunity is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under a collective bargaining agreement.  The hours of work for this position are 11:00p.m. to 7:00a.m. with Saturday/Sunday off.
Additional responsibilities of the MHW include, but are not limited, to: 
 

• Conducting safety checks of patients at various intervals ranging from constant observation to fifteen-minute checks or other as clinically indicated;
• Collaborating effectively with other staff to identify patient milieu issues, develop strategies for dealing with them to better serve patient needs, promoting a non-threatening, therapeutic milieu;
• Completing all written documentation necessary for the patient and program operations; this includes maintaining patient records and relevant data and documentation necessary for a complete up-to-date record of services according to program and department standards utilizing the digital medical record program;
• Demonstrating basic communication and intervention skills by applying various crisis prevention and crisis intervention approaches;
• Facilitating therapeutic groups for patients on the HSU, twice daily;
• Disseminating various items to the patients which include: daily meals, canteen and mail;
• Preparing space for new patients on the unit. Assisting patients who are moving in or moving out of the unit;
• Controlling all movement in and out of the HSU via the control panel located in the Nurses Station and observing patients on video camera;
• Ensuring the unit is clean and secure.  Performing daily housekeeping and house management duties, as well as routine maintenance tasks as needed. Reporting any needed facility repairs.  Completing weekly supply order;
• Assisting the Medical Records Coordinator in filing documents in patient records;
• Performing other work as required by Management.

Working Conditions: Working in a correctional facility; the applicants will be subject to work weekends, nights, holidays and being forced to work over 8 hours depending on operational needs within the Emergency Stabilization Unit (ESU).   The applicants may be required to work on any shift (7-3; 3-11; 11-7).  Days off are subject to change based on operational needs.  Applicants may be required to interact
with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress; stand and walk for prolonged periods of time and; work alone in an isolated area.  The individuals selected must also be cognizant of the confidential and sensitive nature of a law enforcement agency. 
 
Qualifications: 
 

• Applicants must have at least:

(A) two years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in providing direct care service to the mentally ill, emotionally or physically handicapped, or
(B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the outlined Substitutions below

• Strong oral, written, organizational and time management skills with the ability to maintain comprehensive and cohesive records;

Substitutions: 

• Associate's degree with a major in psychology, human services or Mental Health may be substituted for one year of the required experience.*
• Bachelor's degree or higher with a major in psychology, human services, Mental Health may be substituted for the required experience.* 
  *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  The applicant must have an active valid driver’s license, the right to legally operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts and pass a criminal background check.
Salary:  Base salary is $58,909.86 plus additional compensation and benefits offered within the collective bargaining agreement.  Interested candidates can review this job posting at www.middlesexsheriff.org and may submit a cover letter and resume via email to HR@sdm.state.ma.us.
 
 Submissions must be received by January 3, 2024 at 5:00p.m.
The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer
 

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