Mental Health Specialist 1
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
18705 (NE S WFSE HMC)
22770 (NE H NI WFSE HMC)
CLASS SERIES CONCEPT
Mental Health Specialists provide prescribed treatment to in-patients on mental health units.
BASIC FUNCTION
Provide prescribed in-patient mental health treatment, data collection and treatment planning as part of an inter-disciplinary treatment team.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Under direct supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge; provide prescribed mental health treatment in an in-patient setting.
TYPICAL WORK
Act as co-therapist with members of the inter-disciplinary team to develop treatment and discharge plans;
Provide individual counseling regarding reality testing and the problem-solving of current life situation;
Participate in group therapy and family conferences;
Assist with obtaining psycho-social history from patients, family, referral sources and community agencies;
Observe, assess and assist with physical restraint and seclusion procedures; maintain patient safety and provide physical care to patients;
Document patients physical, mental and behavioral status;
Monitor and report patient response to psychotropic medications;
Consult with mental health agencies as required regarding treatment;
Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associate of Arts Degree; AND two years of experience in a mental health setting. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
10/12/1973: New Class
01/21/1983: Revise Title & Class
07/02/1990: Revise MQ
06/01/2005: CSR Class Conversion