MH Observer – St Clair CF

POSITION:            Mental Health Observer
SCHEDULE:         As Needed
FACILITY:             St Clair CF
LOCATION:          Springville, AL
 
A Job Should be MORE than just a paycheck.
 
Wexford Health Sources, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest correctional health care providers.  Over the past 30 years, our team of dedicated clinical professionals has helped literally millions of justice-involved patients receive life-changing medical and mental health services.
 
The majority of our patients come from marginalized or impoverished backgrounds.  In many cases, our doctors, nurses, and behavioral health professionals represent the patient’s first experience with quality, compassionate health care.
 
We heal and rehabilitate thousands of incarcerated patients every day.
When you join Wexford Health, you do more than just further your career.
You also become part of a team-a family-whose mission is to care for patients that cannot care for themselves.
 
You change lives.
You make a difference.
If you are looking for a position that empowers you to do MORE… then look at Wexford Health.

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.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements list the minimum to qualify.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

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

14935