Mental Health Specialist | Central Staffing Office | PRN | Variable

Location: UF Health Shands

1600 SW Archer Road Gainesville, Florida 36210  

Schedule: Varies 

Employment Type: PRN

Join UF Health and be part of a team committed to exceptional patient care, innovation, and community impact. We are currently seeking a passionate individual who is eager to make a difference in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Under the direction of the Registered Nurse, and in accordance with established policies, procedures and guidelines provides patient care services to individuals with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders within an interdisciplinary team model. Interventions include physical and psychosocial activities. Assists with monitoring of the milieu for safety and security. Provides a variety of direct patient care activities including assisting with ADL care, monitoring of vital signs and specimen collection. Provides positive interactions and a safe environment, engages in therapeutic activities and assists therapist with programming. Conducts daily community groups, psychoeducation groups and evening wrap up groups and activities to maximize patient wellbeing.

• Assists nurse with data gathering and with elements of patient care. Organizes work based on unit needs and available resources.
  • A) Supervises patient meals and snacks.
  • B) Accurately performs and records routine and admission vital signs and weights/heights. Assists with collection of specimens.
  • C) Documents patient data in accordance with unit protocol.
  • D) Assists patients with activities of daily living.
  • E) Keeps unit and patient rooms neat and orderly by storing patient belongings in appropriate places and cleaning and putting away patient equipment and care supplies. Encourages patients to take responsibility for these activities.
  • F) Identifies priorities for care for assigned patients.
  • G) Reorganizes care priorities to: incorporate routine and unexpected admissions/discharges/transfers, respond to unanticipated changes in patient needs, facilitate adjustments in patient assignments, support the care needs of the patient/family, provide assistance to other staff.
  • H) Completes work assignment within allotted time frame. 
• Facilitates patient activities per program schedule and contributes to the continuity of each patient's care as directed by the Director of Nursing.
  • A) Reinforces client education encourages client completion of assignments, attendance at and participation in therapy and support groups.
  • B) Observes client responses and reports to the interdisciplinary team.
  • C) Promotes use of leisure activity facilities and other healthy lifestyle activities in conjunction with recreation therapist.
  • D) Assists with community groups, psychoeducation groups or wrap up groups. 
• Contributes to a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers by following established procedures and protocols.
  • A) Monitors patients at risk for injury and institutes measures to prevent/reduce risk.
  • B) Contributes to the prevention of infectious diseases among employees and patients by adhering to Infection Control Policies and Procedures.
  • C) Reports all incidents and infection control variances to the nurse in charge. Completes incident forms and employee accident form, as needed.
  • D) Reports environmental safety hazards including damaged and broken equipment. Corrects or removes hazards. E) Responds to patient requests and needs in a timely fashion.
  • F) Initiates emergency measures as appropriate.
  • G) Follows all unit protocols for precautions and special monitoring needs i.e. fall, suicide risk, elopement risk, seizure, etc. 
• Communicates effectively with nurses, peers, interdisciplinary team and the patient/family to achieve desired patient outcomes.
  • A) Verbal and written communication is clear and specific and purposeful.
  • B) Completes appropriate forms thoroughly, accurately, and in required time frame.
  • C) Utilizes therapeutic communication techniques to interact patients.
  • D) Engages patients in individual and group activities to provide structure and to promote goal achievement.
  • E) Facilitates clients in their use of problem-solving skills and in positive interactions with peers and members of the treatment team.
  • F) Adheres to all confidentiality and privacy requirements, protecting patient rights per Baker Act. 
• Contributes to the continuity of patient care under the direction of the nurse by:
  • A) Implementing patient care activities as per care plan and procedures
  • B) Reinforcing patient and family education.
  • C) Observing patient responses and reporting to nurse
  • D) Operating and trouble- shooting equipment as indicated for patient care needs.
  • E) Utilizing written and electronic/computer systems to facilitate patient care. 
• Demonstrates self-development and accountability for job responsibilities.
  • A) Reports to work at scheduled time.
  • B) Accepts assignment and is flexible regarding changes in priorities and care needs.
  • C) Participates in activities to increase knowledge and skills as well as completes all mandatory requirements within required time frame.
  • D) Participates constructively in staff meetings, both formal and informal. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School diploma, or its equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year college experience in Behavioral Health, Allied Health, Psychology, Social Sciences or related field preferred.
• If no college experience must have at least one year of Behavioral Health experience in an inpatient psychiatric or addiction medicine setting or experience as a CNA, EMT or equivalent in a related medical setting. 

Motor Vehicle Operator Designation (Required): (Refer to CP 1.51)

Employee in this position:

Will not operate vehicles for an assigned business purpose

NOTE: A frequent driver is defined as one who uses his/her personal or Shands automobile a) at least once daily, b) at least five individual trips per week or c) drives, on average, over 150 miles per week in the performance of his/her job. Please indicate the appropriate operator designation on the Request for Personnel (RFP) form at the time a RFP is submitted to post the position. 

This position requires a Level 2 background screening. Applicants may review background screening information at  https://info.flclearinghouse.com/