Mental Health Worker Ii - Evening Shift

Taunton State Hospital is seeking an experienced candidate for our Mental Health Worker II position. The successful candidate will assist professional staff in providing direct care and treatment for patients with major mental illness including psychogeriatric, intermediate care and acute care, and all other specialized care psychiatric units. This will include instruction and supervision of patients regarding skills achieved through effective ADLs.

Please Note: This position is 40 hours per week. The incumbent will work on the evening shift from 2:45 to 11:15 p.m. Days off: Week 1 - Sunday and Wednesday; Week 2 - Monday and Saturday.

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

• Treats all patients with dignity and respect through interactions which affirm the individual's needs and preferences and by optimally integrating the patient's perspective into all facets of care; will advocate for patients, facilitate timely resolution of patient concerns and assist patients in the exercise of their rights.
• Acts as a role model when assisting & monitoring work performance of subordinates when carrying out daily ward assignments through close contact and supervision.
• Refers to assignment sheet during tour of duty & assesses assigned clients on a non-professional level & writes nursing progress notes reflecting behavioral changes as indicated in their treatment plan.
• Works with patients on an individual or small group basis through therapeutic interventions; provides a safe milieu for all patients by monitoring patient activity to promote optimal stabilization and rehabilitation.
• Provides/assists patients as needed with activities of daily living (ADL) and rehabilitative aspects of care to help ensure the health, comfort and safety needs of patients are being met. 
• Establishes rapport with patients and other staff by developing a good, cooperative working relationship to aid in improved patient care.
• Communicates patients' progress or regress by verbally reporting to the supervisor or designee, participating in treatment plan and nursing care plan meetings to ensure continuity of patient care.  Documents observations in patients' records as directed to provide written follow-through of verbal reports.
• Supervises and/or assists patients in their performance of general housekeeping duties in assigned area to ensure a clean, safe, therapeutic environment.
• May provide direction and is a role model for MHW Is and may complete assignment sheets.

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 45-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 Mission Statement: 

The Department of Mental Health 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.

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.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 

1-800-510-4122 ext. 4 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) one year 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 substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in psychology, human services, Mental Health or retardation 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.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.