Milieu Specialist - Adolescent Behavioral Health (Young Minds)

Position Summary:


We are excited to be introducing the Young Minds Center in our brand new, state-of-the-art location! We are building something special to make a difference for all the youth in our community. This position will be relocating to our new building later this year - come join us

Provide a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff in the behavioral health inpatient unit. Assist in providing care to individuals with behavioral/emotional/mental health diagnosis. This position is responsible for ensuring that all therapeutic activities, therapeutic groups, daily schedules are being followed, and implemented while directing direct care staff in guiding patients towards attending their treatment goals.

Qualifications:


EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related field required.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI Training) If hired after August 1, 2019: Must possess and maintain current Crisis Prevention (CPI) certification within 3 months and Basic Life Support (BLS) (AHA) within 30 days.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English. Basic computer knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email, and web browser. Multicultural sensitivity. Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions. Advanced reading, writing and oral skills. Ability to utilize PC including, basic elements of Windows environment, keyboarding, work with mouse, and perform basic computer tasks with instruction. Ability to maintain and tolerate stressful patient interactions and situations.

Essential Functions:

• THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY FOCUS: Assists in the creation and maintenance of a safe, caring, nurturing, healing, and educative environment.* Supports the treatment by providing education on ways to minimize behavioral outbursts through use of preventative strategies such as building positive relationships, rapport, and being a primary support to patients when additional care and behavioral management are needed. * Ensures all therapeutic activities, groups, and daily schedules are being followed. *Directs staff toward interventions that ensure individual and milieu safety.* De-escalates patients utilizing the CPI model for patient interventions and prevention strategies.* Takes initiative in making decisions and taking immediate action to ensure safety* Serves as role model to reduce/eliminate use of seclusion/restraints through the use of effective verbal de-escalation and patient support. * Participates in application of seclusion/restraints when appropriate; provides monitoring of patients in such situations; completes appropriate documentation* Participates in patient and staff debriefing*Helps patients to develop strategies that are effective in managing stressful situations which may provoke behavioral outbursts. These strategies may include but are not limited to, coping skills and emotional regulation to achieve success in their treatment goals and remain safe during hospitalization. * Interfaces effectively with behavioral health and security staff to promote a safe environment; calls for additional assistance if needed* Provides supportive care to patients and families when appropriate* Monitors video/audio equipment to ensure patient, visitor and staff safety, and/or makes "rounds" in the immediate patient care area* Completes electronic event reports as indicated* Will work directly with patients when behavior cannot be managed in the milieu with other patients. During this supportive intervention, this role will incorporate strategies that promote patient success and safety in the milieu.
• ASSESSMENT FOCUS: Obtains pertinent clinical data from patients/significant others seeking Behavioral Health Services.* Ensures patients are treated with respect and dignity* Compliant with legal components of admissions/treatment recommendations (mental health code, confidentiality act, voluntary/involuntary admissions, patients' rights, obtaining releases of information)* Documents interventions in a succinct and goal directed manner * Incorporates trauma informed care through therapeutic interactions, interventions, and de-escalation principles to patients when additional support is needed. This includes, but not limited to, removing patients from situations or settings that may pose a risk or are unsafe for patients. * Provides support, sets limits, and/or facilitates learning from the situation if/when providing direct patient care* Assesses patients and suggests treatment goals for patients that pose a risk to themselves or others in the milieu.
• PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT FOCUS: Assists in Performance Improvement activities for area.* Actively promotes and achieves customer satisfaction (patient, family, departments and physicians)* Assists in completing chart audits and compiling other data to evaluate performance* Role model for other team members * Compiles and assists in analyzing intake, utilization and patient flow data* Generates ideas for improving processes, treatment, and patient care* Participates in Root Cause Analyses and assists in development of action plans and implementation of action plans* Collaborates with the unit manager on ways to ensure a supportive and structured environment is maintained for all patients and staff*Collaborates with the staff and the educator to foster therapeutic communication, intervention, and prevention strategies so the hospital, unit, or area where patients are served can fulfill its primary mission of providing quality health care within a safe environment.