Mental Health Care Worker

Detailed Overview Under supervision of the Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse, assists in routine care of patients during psychosocial rehabilitative activities, self care and structured group activities. Assists in maintaining a safe environment and provides ongoing monitoring of patients' status. As required, assists patients with making beds and washing patients' personal clothing. Transports patients to off-site appointments. Responsibilities Working under the direction of the care leader participates in the stabilization, rehabilitation and care of patients by providing personal care, teaching simple social skills, escorting patients and monitoring activities. Provides direct personal care by assisting patients with bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, prosthetics and elimination. Escorts patients off unit for treatment or diagnostic procedures. Assists patients at meal time, while monitoring their safety, by providing assistance with meal trays and assisting with feeding of selected patients as required. Assists patients to undertake activities of daily living (ADL) including making beds, assisting patients to organize personal belongings and do personal laundry. Assists patients with retrieving personal care supplies from storage area as required. Provides one to one personal care and observation of specific patients as directed by the RN/RPN. Assists with care of the patient in the seclusion room as directed by the RN/RPN such as assisting with ADL activities and delivering food. Reports observations of patients' conditions to the Nursing staff and care team in accordance with established procedures/practice by recording observations on the patient health care record at the direction of the RN/RPN. Participates in meetings such as ward rounds and team meetings, as directed, by providing feedback on observations related to work done with specific patients. Working under the direction of the RN/RPN or Occupational Therapist, facilitates patients' participation in psychosocial rehabilitation activities by methods such as setting schedules and participating in unit scheduled individual and group activities. Transports patients to off site appointments by operating passenger vehicle. Participates in orientation to the unit by familiarizing patients, families, new staff, volunteers, and students with the layout of the unit, patient rooms and unit routines Maintains unit safety by assisting with routine search of room and client belongings as directed by nursing staff. Performs procedures such as weighing patients, monitoring nutritional and fluid intake and elimination and collecting specimens. Records observations and reports problems and/or changes to the RN/RPN. Assists patients with retrieval/storage and/or relocation of personal effects to different rooms within the unit. Transports patients utilizing mechanical aids such as wheelchairs and stretchers. Participates in quality improvement activities by providing input and feedback on department initiatives. Assists in providing patients with a safe, secure environment by checking and ensuring that unit is uncluttered and reporting unsafe and hazardous conditions. Follows employer's established procedures to ensure patient safety. Performs other related duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Grade ten plus graduation from a recognized Mental Health Care Worker program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License with access to personal vehicle for business purposes. Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to deal with others effectively. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to organize work. Ability to operate related equipment.