State of Washington Classified Job Specification
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2
Definition
Provide prescribed advanced in-patient mental health treatment.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Under general supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge, provide direction in crisis situations, clinical expertise in initiating care plans and in group or individual therapy; interpret the Involuntary Treatment Act and participate in the training of staff and students on the unit.
Typical Work
Regularly assigns, instructs and checks the work of employees;
Provides direction to Mental Health Specialist 1;
Initiates care plans and participates in discharge planning with the inter-disciplinary team;
Obtains psycho-social history from patients, family, referral sources and community agencies;
Interprets the Involuntary Treatment Act for the patient and family, community agencies;
Provides liaison with authorities for initiating commitment procedures;
Leads group therapy and family conferences;
Provides intervention to eliminate safety hazards;
Provides direction in managing the behavior of violent patients;
Participates in the training and orientation of new staff and professional students; acts as a member of committee to improve patient care standards;
May participate in research projects;
Performs the duties of Mental Health Specialist 1;
Performs related duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree;
AND
One year as a Mental Health Specialist 1, or equivalent; experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Class Specification History
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
Revised class code: (formerly 6184) effective July 1, 2007