State of Washington Classified Job Specification
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 1
Class Series Concept
Mental Health Specialists provide prescribed treatment to in-patients on mental health units.
Definition
Provide prescribed in-patient mental health treatment, data collection and treatment planning as part of an inter-disciplinary treatment team.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Under direct supervision of the Registered Nurse in charge; provide prescribed mental health treatment in an in-patient setting.
Typical Work
Provides individual counseling regarding reality testing and the problem-solving of current life situation;
Participates in group therapy and family conferences;
Assists with obtaining psycho-social history from patients, family, referral sources and community agencies;
Observes, assesses and assists with physical restraint and seclusion procedures; maintains patient safety and provides physical care to patients;
Documents patients physical, mental and behavioral status;
Monitors and reports patient response to psychotropic medications;
Consults with mental health agencies as required regarding treatment;
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
Associate of Arts Degree;
AND
Two years of experience in a mental health setting. 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 Title & Class: 1-21-83
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
Revised class code: (formerly 6183) effective July 1, 2007
