Mental Health Worker I

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital is seeking dynamic candidates who will provide direct patient care services to individuals by participating and instructing activities of daily living including, but not limited to personal care, community integration and recreation/leisure to ensure daily needs, rehabilitation needs, and human rights are met. Mental Health Workers treat all patients with dignity and respect through interactions which affirm the individual’s needs and preferences and by optimally integrating their perspective into all facets of care.

Please Note: The available schedules vary. Below is a breakdown of shifts available:

• 2nd Shift 2:45 PM - 11:15 PM
• 1st Shift 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM
• 3rd Shift 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Supervises and/or assists patients in their performance of general housekeeping duties in assigned area to ensure a clean, safe, therapeutic environment.
• Communicates patients’ progress or regress by verbally reporting to the supervisor or designee, participating in treatment plan and nursing care plan meetings to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Establishes rapport with patients and other staff by developing a good, cooperative working relationship to aid in improved patient care.
• Documents observations in patients’ records as directed in order to provide written follow through of verbal reports.
• Treats all patients with dignity and respect through interactions which affirm the individual’s needs and preferences and by optimally integrating the patient’s perspective into all facets of care; will advocate for patients, facilitate timely resolution of patient concerns, and assist patients in the exercise of their rights.
• Works with patients on an individual basis or in small groups through therapeutic interventions and provides a safe milieu for all patients by monitoring patient activity to promote optimal stabilization and rehabilitation.
• Performs clerical duties, such as filing, making out requisitions and collecting data in order to maintain complete and accurate records to help expedite services.
• Provides/assists patients as needed with activities of daily living (ADL) and rehabilitative aspects of care to help ensure the health, comfort and safety needs of patients are being met.
• Carries out other duties related to the care, treatment, stabilization, and rehabilitation of mentally ill patients as assigned to ensure optimal patient care delivery.
• Participates in continuing education/in-service programs designed to teach and upgrade mental health skills and knowledge and competency.

Required Qualifications:

• Skilled in interacting with people who are under emotional stress with the ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful or emergency situations.
• Talent for communicating effectively in oral expression, writing clearly and concisely, and developing ideas in logical sequence.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Proven ability to gather information through observing and questioning individuals.
• Capacity to perform basic mathematics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
• Experience working with individuals with serious, persistent mental illness, substance abuse and/or who have experienced homelessness.
• American Sign Language (ASL)

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH):

Located on over 100 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service, and 30 adolescents on the ACCU.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Offer Process

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Kimberly Lanier in Human Resources at (508) 368-3596.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.