Hire Mental Health Workers
Mental health workers are vital support professionals for patients who have experienced trauma or mental illness.
To hire a mental health worker, the first step is to write an accurate and compelling job description. It is the first point of communication between candidates and the hiring medical facility or institution, so it should be clear, concise, and detailed. Reading about the job should make candidates visualize how it will feel like to be part of your organization. Outline the responsibilities and requirements clearly. Keep in mind that the job description should be more than just a list of expectations. Be sure to include some key benefits that you can offer candidates as well such as training or opportunities for career advancement.
Hiring managers should be clear about the schedule, the number of hours, and location. Mental health workers may work in psychiatric facilities, mental health centers, or hospitals on a part-time or full-time basis. For a job description to stand out online, include keywords that are associated with mental health workers and alternate names for the position and title. These keywords will enable the job announcement to show up in more search engine results of online hiring platforms. More eyes on your job announcement means a bigger selection of candidates.
Once you have a compelling job description, posting your job announcement is the next step. Aside from general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on healthcare-specific job boards, online groups, and in community groups as well.
Mental Health Worker Responsibilities
Mental health workers assist patients with their daily care, needs, and activities. Bathing, dressing, and mobility exercises are some examples of tasks that mental health workers cover. Under the supervision of a registered nurse, mental health workers may administer prescribed medications and note the patient’s reaction and compliance.
Mental health workers review and keep track of the individual care plans of care patients. They assess for progress, identify hindrances or challenges, and report the information to the nurse and other members of the health team. They make recommendations and suggest strategies that will benefit their patients.
Mental health workers ensure the safety and security of patients. They are responsible for alerting medical professionals and staff in case of an emergency or potential danger and assist in using physical restraints if necessary. Additionally, mental health workers maintain patient files and report any behavior changes to the nurse or other medical staff. Lastly, mental health workers maintain patient confidentiality by keeping patient records and other documents secure.
Mental Health Worker Skills and Qualifications
Mental health worker candidates are individuals who have a strong sense of compassion, commitment, and patience. As the patients they will care for have mental health challenges, the candidate must be professional and calm at all times. Candidates must have excellent active listening and problem-solving skills. Moreover, strong written and verbal communication skills are a must as mental health workers interact closely with patients, doctors, and other health team members.
A high school diploma or GED is required, and an additional certification for a Certified Nursing Assistants course may be required.
Lastly, candidates must be proficient in data entry with strong attention to detail and a strong ability to follow instructions. Mental health workers must be physically fit in case patients need to be restrained or lifted. As the schedule may vary per medical facility, flexibility to work on evenings, weekends, and even holidays is a plus.
Hiring mental health workers who fit the specific needs of a medical care facility can be a difficult process that is well worth it for the excellent care they provide.
