Mental Health Observer

Wexford Health Sources, one of the nation’s leading innovative correctional health care companies, provides clients with experienced management and technologically advanced services, combined with programs that control costs while ensuring quality.  For nearly two decades, Wexford Health has consistently delivered proven staffing expertise and a full range of medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, utilization management, provider contracting, claims processing, and quality management services.

At Wexford Health our philosophy is that health care should not be considered a luxury for anyone.  We simply care for those in need and the corrections environment is our venue. Wexford Health has an exceptional opportunity for an Observer to join our team of healthcare professionals at Bibb Correctional Facility in Brent, AL.

We’re proud to offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Annual review with performance increase
• Generous paid-time off program that combines vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Dental and Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement saving plans
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Healthcare and dependent care spending account

POSITION SUMMARY
An Observer serves as an assistant to mental health service providers and persons with mental health problems. The employee is expected to provide supervision levels and maintains programming and activity operations in accordance with established clinical and administrative requirements.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Ensures that suicide watch and observation protocols and program activities are carried out in accordance with applicable licensure, certification and accreditation standards.
B. Provides services and activities for clients in accordance with program requirements and individual treatment plans. Such services and activities may include: serve as primary suicide watch provider for assigned clients and participate in the development of observation and treatment plans.
C. Follows instructions for activities as planned.
D. Documents and reports all pertinent information related to the suicide status of the inmate patient.
E. Works with custody staff to ensure suicide blankets, mattresses, and smocks are utilized as directed in the suicide watch plan.
F. Encourages and monitors nutrition and hydration of the inmate patient including suicide packaged meals. Documents and reports intake.
G. Maintains and organizes suicide watch therapeutic activity supplies.
H. Monitors client behavior, and foster socially acceptable behavior patterns.
I. Provides recreation and socialization opportunities as directed and available.
J. Immediately notifies custody staff and/or approved clinical staff if there is a need to leave the observation post to ensure coverage as indicated in the suicide watch plan.
K. Provides documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.
L. Participates in mandatory as well as elective educational activities.
M. Attends staff meetings and follows all team/unit protocols.
N. Adheres to universal precautions and other appropriate infection control practices.
O. Adheres to safety and security policies, and participates in disaster drills.
P. Follows security regulations and policies, with consideration of clinical factors.
The duties and responsibilities outlined herein are for payroll purposes only; employees may be assigned other duties as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands that are described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, to hear and to see, to stand, walk, and sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, instruments or controls, to reach with hands and arms, to stoop or crouch, balance and kneel, may be required to lift and/or move persons, carts, emergency equipment or other objects. Must be able to ambulate throughout the facility for extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to clearly communicate orally and via written and typed correspondence and notes using various forms, records, charts, and electronic media.
This position may require rotating assignments operating on a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week schedule where employee is subject to both voluntary and mandatory overtime.
Employee may be exposed to a challenging environment, which may include exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens and loud noises.

Job Requirements:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Licensing: None

Certification: CPR

Experience: Experience working in correctional behavioral health services strongly preferred.

Education: High school graduate required. Prefer college-level course work in psychology, social work, vocational or activity-related area of study.

EOE/M/F/D/V

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