StarCare Specialty Health System (StarCare) is seeking a part-time Mental Health Specialist to join its outstanding Inpatient Hospital team. The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) serves as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team, supporting the management of crisis situations through motivational interviewing and de-escalation techniques. Under the direct supervision of the Director of Clinical Social Services and Hospital Administration Staff, the MHS helps guide patient care to ensure safety for individuals at risk of harm to self or others. This role involves facilitating daily activities, monitoring patient behavior, supporting therapeutic and recreational programming, and maintaining a safe, clean environment. MHS staff are expected to exercise moderate initiative and independent judgment while collaborating closely with clinical staff to deliver compassionate, consistent care. Accurate documentation and adherence to regulatory standards are essential components of this position.

Responsibilities:

• Guide patients through daily activities to include mealtime, hygiene, group activities, group and individual therapy, recreational activities and ensure overall productive and engaged day for each patient.
  
• Observe and report changes in patient behavior, mood, or physical condition to clinical staff. 
  
• Complete hourly rounds as assigned to monitor patient safety, assess well-being, and support continuity of care throughout the day.
  
• Help maintain a safe and clean environment for patients and staff. 
  
• Utilize crisis and/or de-escalation intervention practices with patients whose behavior cannot be otherwise supported without such interventions. 
  
• Complete and submit timely and accurate documentation, including but not limited to, documentation of patient interactions and observations. 
  
• Collaborate with nurses, therapists, and doctors to ensure consistent and compassionate care.
  
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours. 
  
• Ensure all required training and credentials are current and compliant with Center, federal, state, and local regulations, in addition to StarCare policies and procedures. 
  
• Complete special departmental projects and other responsibilities with similar skill and work conditions as assigned.
  
• Support all activities in alignment with StarCare’s mission, values, and operational goals. 

Schedule:

This is a full-time hourly position. Work hours are scheduled in 12-hour shifts; however, shift length and scheduling may be adjusted as needed to ensure adequate coverage and to meet the operational needs of the unit and organization.

Benefit Package: 

StarCare offers Benefit eligible employees an expansive benefit package including but not limited to: Company-paid medical coverage, fully funded employer contribution to HSA, company-paid life insurance, company paid hospital indemnity plan, retirement plan with up to 12% employer match, front loaded paid time off (PTO), thirteen (13) paid holidays, sabbatical leave, longevity augmentations, and employee referral augmentations.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED) 
  
• One year of related experience is preferred 
  
• Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) certification is preferred 
  
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment (e.g., phone, copier, fax)
  
• Competency in using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
  
• Strong interpersonal skills, compassion, and a genuine desire to help individuals struggling with mental illness
  
• State issued Driver's License preferred. Government issued ID required.
• Must pass all required pre-employment and annual screenings applicable to the position or services provided, as required by law, regulation, or agency policy, which may include criminal background, nursing registry, MVR, and drug screening based on applicable requirements.

Skills & Abilities: