Mental Health Practitioner

Southwestern Mental Health Center, Inc.

Unity House

Position Description

Position Title:  Mental Health Practitioner

Department:  Intensive Residential Treatment Facility

General Work Hours:  Weekdays, Weekends, Holidays, Days, Evenings.

Exempt/Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Supervisor:  Treatment Director

Position Summary:  Provide positive direction for residents served by the Center in the Intensive Residential Treatment Facility.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required:

1.    Minnesota Mental Health Practitioner status obtained through education and/or experience:

1. Be at least 18 years of age, and
2. Have a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or related field from an accredited college or university, and
   1. Have at least 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to persons with mental illness, or
   2. Is fluent in the non-English language of the ethnic group to which 50% of Unity House’s clients belong, completes 40 hours training, and receives clinical supervision at least once a week until the 2,000 hours of supervised experience is met, or
3. Have at least 6,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to persons with mental illness, or
4. Is a graduate student in behavioral sciences or related field and is formally assigned by an accredited college or university to Unity House for clinical training, or
5. Holds a master’s or other graduate degree in behavioral sciences or related field for an accredited college or university and has less than 4,000 hours post-master’s experience in the treatment of mental illness.

Physical Requirements:

1.    Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, reach, stoop, and crouch.

2.    Must be able to sweep, mop, shovel, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Supervision Requirements:

1. Prior to having direct contact with residents, staff must:
   1. Complete first section of orientation checklist, and
   2. Have a background study submitted to the department.
2. Prior to working independently, staff must:
   1. Complete the second and third section of orientation checklist,
   2. Receive background study clearance from the department, and
   3. Complete 32 hours of on-the-job training/shadowing.
3. Complete a minimum of 16 training hours annually.
4. Treatment team meeting participation for every calendar week worked.
5. Clinical supervision ongoing.

Essential Functions:       

1.    Interpret and enforce any and all Center policies and procedures as they pertain to the residential treatment program.

2.    Promote positive communication and working relationships with all team members.             

3.    Attend weekly clinical supervision, staff meetings, and in-services. 

4.    Be available to work evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends, as needed.                            

5.    Ensure that scheduled menu is followed and that the necessary grocery items are on hand.

6.    Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks in the setting as outlined on the cleaning and maintenance schedule.                           

7.    Maintain a working rapport with referring agencies, parents/relatives/legal guardians, if applicable, and other programs involved in the resident’s life.                                                                       

8.    Present group materials to residents as scheduled.

9.    Assist treatment director and clinical supervisor to provide quality programming that will provide a supportive and therapeutic environment and assure that residents’ physical, emotional, and medical needs are being met by:                                     

a.    Developing and implementing treatment plans identified by the resident’s desires, by the social worker, by the Strengths & Needs Assessment and by other members of the resident’s treatment team.

b.    Ensuring that the treatment plans are reviewed weekly with the residents.

c.    Assuring accurate documentation and filing according to agency and program policies.

1. Adhering to resident’s rights policies and incorporate resident’s rights into the daily routine.
2. Assisting individuals in arranging necessary appointments and providing transportation when needed for appointments, shopping, etc.

f.     Advocating for residents to the staff, social workers, therapists, vocational advisors, family members and other team members, making sure that residents have an opportunity to share their concerns.

g.    Ensuring that all reports: quarterlies, evaluations and discharge summaries are completed in a timely manner.

i.     Assisting the registered nurse in reviewing medical and medication needs with staff, psychiatrist and other physicians.

1. Participating actively in leisure/group activities as scheduled and ad hoc.
2. Assisting with cooking meals and serving.

1. Passing medications as required.

1. Accessing on-call supervisor as noted and as necessary.
2. Other areas as determined by the team.        

Other Responsibilities:                               

1.    Promote the Center and Unity House programs in a variety of public settings.             

2.    All other duties as assigned.